Newcastle United latest news: Stade Reims midfielder Patrick Zabi has emerged as a late deadline day transfer target for Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Stade Reims’ teenage midfielder Patrick Zabi.
Reports from France claim that representatives from Newcastle United were spotted in France on Monday morning in an attempt to finalise a deal for the teenager. They claim that Zabi could sign a long-term deal with Newcastle United, but is expected to remain at the French club until the end of the season.
Newcastle United have not completed a single senior transfer during the winter window and are expected to have a quiet deadline day. Reports of a potential bid from Arsenal for Sandro Tonali were quashed this morning, whilst they have opted not to recall Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Here, we take a look at the latest reports surrounding Newcastle United’s reported interest in Zabi and what he could bring to St James’ Park should he join the club.
Who is Patrick Zabi?
A central midfielder by trade, Zabi has enjoyed a breakout season with Stade Reims, having played 21 times in all competitions this season. Those appearances include 18 in Ligue 2 as Reims seek an immediate return to France’s top-tier after being relegated last season.
At over six-foot tall, Zabi has the physical traits needed to be a success in English football and as he doesn’t turn 20 until June, has plenty of time on his side to develop into a Premier League midfielder.
What’s the latest on Newcastle United’s interest in Patrick Zabi?
As mentioned, reports from French outlet So Foot initially detailed Newcastle United’s interest in Zabi. Those have since been corroborated by the Mail’s Craig Hope who wrote on X: ‘Understand Newcastle have been pushing to sign 19-year-old Reims midfielder Patrick Zabi today. Seen as a player for the future. Sources unsure whether deal will happen before deadline, but they have been trying #nufc.’
There has been little detail on the type of fee that Newcastle United could expect to pay for Zabi, but reports in France have suggested that it could become a record sale for Reims. That record sale currently stands at the €35m they received from PSG for striker Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike, of course, was heavily-linked with a move to St James’ Park before the Parisians swooped for his signature in the summer of 2022. Ekitike was then again linked with a move to Newcastle United last summer, only for their efforts to sign him once again ended in failure as he moved to Liverpool.
Despite interest in Zabi, it is unlikely that a move will be completed before the January transfer window closes at 7pm tonight. Zabi will likely end the campaign in the Stade Reims first-team but could be someone that Newcastle United revisit in the summer transfer window.
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