While the Alexander Isak saga rumbles on in the background with no clear solution in sight, Newcastle have been linked with moves for two midfielders this week.
Strong links to Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss arrived on Monday, with The Telegraph reporting that Newcastle were showing ‘strong interest’ in the 21-year-old playmaker.
The Moroccan has a release clause in the region of £30m that expires ‘next week’, but some wonder if our attention has turned elsewhere now we’re closing in on a £40m package to sign Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
North East reporter Craig Hope has been asked about the possibility of signing both, and it seems those hoping for exactly that may be dissapointed, with three rumoured targets set to be ditched (for now at least).
Responding to a fan on X, Hope said: ‘I’m told that Ramsey will be instead of El Khannouss, McGinn, Rudoni etc.’
So, it seems it was El Khannouss OR Ramsey, while Villa’s John McGinn and Coventry’s Jack Rudoni will no longer be pursued if Ramsey does sign at St James’ Park.
A fan replied to Hope on X, questioning why we wouldn’t also look to bring in El Khannouss given the total lack of no. 10s in our squad. To which Hope replied: ‘Newcastle don’t use a 10. They were interested for sure. I think Ramsey suits Newcastle (and Howe) better.’
El Khannouss is a gifted playmaker who can play just off the front, out wide or in a midfield three at a push, but Ramsey does feel like the more natural fit for our current 4-3-3 formation, with his pace, running power and goal threat offering an immediate upgrade on the injured Joe Willock.
With many tipping the Moroccan to reach the top and be worth at least double the £30m+ in years to come, let’s hope this isn’t a ‘mistake’ we don’t live to regret and Ramsey steps up – in terms of development an injury history – under Eddie Howe.