Report: Newcastle still keen on Soumare and are ready to intensify pursuit

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Newcastle United are reportedly still keen to sign Boubakary Soumare, despite failing with an offer in January.

Steve Bruce said in a press conference last month that the Magpies had tried and failed to sign a midfielder for more than £45 million (talkSPORT), which was later revealed to be the Lille dynamo.

Apparently Lille were happy with the club’s offer, but it was the player who decided he didn’t want to move.

Soumare is on the radar of lots of big clubs across Europe, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers among those reportedly keen.

The Frenchman was enjoyed a fine season with the Ligue 1 outfit, starring in the league and impressing in Europe despite the club finishing bottom of their group.

According to Le10 Sport, Newcastle have not taken Soumare’s rejection to heart, and are keen to intensify their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

The French publication say that Newcastle’s original offer remains on the table, and the club are willing to make guarantees to the youngster about game time and offer him a big wage increase.

TBR’s view – Soumare would be an exciting Newcastle addition

Newcastle would be making a very big statement by landing Soumare ahead of the likes of Manchester United.

Although it’s probably their attack that needs reinforcing the most, there is also arguably a need to upgrade in central midfield.

Soumare is a good all-round midfield player. He does a good job of sitting in front of the back four, but can also stride out to break the lines if needs be.

According to WhoScored, he’s averaged 1.0 tackles per 90 in Ligue 1 and the Champions League so far, and 1.1 interceptions.

Perhaps most impressive though is his responsibility with the ball, as evidenced by an 89% pass completion rate so far.