Malick Fofana's agent has namedropped Newcastle United as possible destination for Lyon star.
Picking Newcastle United as the club to transfer to this summer would be the 'choice of reason', the agent of Olympique Lyonnais teenage ace Malick Fofana has directly admitted.
Ever since the Magpies came under new ownership they have slowly built their project from the ground up. That has so far culminated with the achievement of the club's first silverware in seven long decades, though there are no plans on halting progress there.
The only way Newcastle are going to continue to build will be to recruit players both capable of fighting now and in future. Fofana, 19, certainly falls in that bracket as his representative from BF SportsPartner singles out St. James' Park as their client's ideal destination.
"The choice of heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to enter the rotation, and above all, we would like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and El hadji Diouf", they began to tell Africa foot.
Now, Newcastle fans may not directly appreciate the agent's thoughts of a long-term career path despite what praises came the club's way.
"Now, the choice of reason would be Newcastle, a well-structured club that could be a first step to gain experience before, perhaps, joining a top-five European club," was the second part of this extremely direct verdict.
Fofana, a Belgian international, grew up in the country and was raised through the Gent youth system from the age of nine. At 16 he made his senior debut and in January of last year was part of a €22m (£18.5m) deal that took him to Lyon.
That breakthrough move has been followed by 56 appearances in French football, scoring 14 goals along with five assists.
It is no secret Newcastle have been lacking depth on the right side of attack, especially since being forced into selling Yankuba Minteh in order to comply with into Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) last summer.
Jacob Murphy has by no means been weak in the role but Fofana's arrival would herald in the next era of young prospects at St. James' Park.
And if Newcastle were wondering what they would be getting for their money - supposedly in the region of €33m-€45m (£27.7m-£37.8m) according to CIES Observatory's value estimates - his agent went on to add: "He has the profile to succeed in the Premier League. He possesses qualities similar to those of Manchester United's Amad Diallo, namely speed, impact, and the ability to create opportunities.
"There's no doubt he can shine. For him, this would be an opportunity to continue his development and, above all, to showcase his talent in a league that favours transitional play. However, he'll have to choose the right club, as competition is fierce across the Channel."
The teenager has never before been directly linked with Newcastle however Chronicle Livewere quick to scout him as one to watch when Lyon were punished with provisional relegation from Ligue 1 if they are unable to substantially resolve issues around the club's losses well in excess of £400m.
And in that regard, Fofana's agent commented: "He's a valuable player for the squad, bringing speed and impact. He has the potential to become a key part of the team and be a long-term player.
"However, as we know, OL is under the surveillance of the DNCG and will have to sell again this summer. So anything remains possible."