Newcastle United have done some excellent business this summer, but one target looks set to move elsewhere.
If it were not for the Alexander Isak situation, people would be praising Newcastle United for the business they have done.
It has been an incredibly productive summer for Eddie Howe, even if it took a while to get going. The Newcastle United squad has been massively improved, with Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey adding serious depth.
Newcastle signing Park Seung-soo should also be heralded, as he is a young player who appears to have a lot of potential.
However, another young player who the Magpies looked at seems destined for a move to Crystal Palace.
Bilal El Khannouss in action for Leicester City against Preston North End.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Bilal El Khannouss set for Crystal Palace move
It was recently reported that Newcastle want to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City.
The 21-year-old looked promising in the Premier League last season, and it felt like he would be a smart acquisition by Eddie Howe.
However, El Khannouss instead looks set to link up with Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are close to agreeing a £32million deal with Leicester City to sign El Khannouss.
The playmaker’s arrival would coincide with Eberechi Eze leaving for Tottenham Hotspur.
No room for El Khannouss at Newcastle United after Jacob Ramsey deal
There was excitement about the prospect of El Khannouss moving to St James’ Park, but talk of him arriving ended once the Jacob Ramsey deal was done.
He has arrived from Aston Villa, and is a much better option for Howe. Ramsey is incredibly versatile, while he has much more top level experience compared to El Khannouss.
Ramsey played in the Champions League for Aston Villa last season, as they made it all the way to the quarter-finals. Unfortunately for Unai Emery, they were beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
With Ramsey on board, Newcastle now have six players who can play centrally. There is suddenly not really any room for El Khannouss to have an impact at St James’ Park.
But he can have an impact at Crystal Palace, who are facing up to the reality of losing their talisman in Eberechi Eze.