Newcastle United are eyeing a move to sign Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss this summer in a bargain deal, according to Sports Boom.
The Magpies have had a mixed campaign so far, but turned in arguably their best performance of the season so far in midweek as they thrashed Qarabag 6-1 away from home in their Champions League playoff first leg, with Anthony Gordon scoring four times in the first half.
The club will be looking to take those performances into the rest of the domestic campaign as they look to rise up the table, and that will help them to attract new signings in the summer as Eddie Howe looks to continue the team's trajectory.
Newcastle Eyeing El Khannouss Deal
Bilal El Khannouss in action for Morocco.
El Khannouss, who has been described as 'phenomenal', was a wanted man last summer following Leicester City's relegation to the Championship, and despite several Premier League clubs showing an interest he joined Bundesliga side Stuttgart on an initial loan deal.
That deal included an obligation to make the move permanent for around €20m based on certain triggers, and his performances this season, which have seen him score eight goals and register three assists, mean they are likely to be activated.
However, following the Moroccan's game-winning performance against Celtic on Thursday night in the Europa League playoff, where he scored twice in a 4-1 win, it has now emerged that there are several clubs eyeing a potential summer move to take him away from Stuttgart.
The Magpies are understood to be keen admirers of the forward, and believe that a deal can be done in the region of around £20m, which would make him a huge bargain considering his ability and his level of experience, despite being just 21.
El Khannouss Can Offer Newcastle Plenty
Bilal El Khannouss claps the camera during Morocco's astonishing FIFA World Cup run in 2022.
Bilal El Khannouss claps the camera during Morocco's astonishing FIFA World Cup run in 2022.
Reuters
After splashing £55m on a deal for Anthony Elanga last summer, Newcastle have been disappointed with their return in investment, and they may now be looking for alternatives for next season.
However, the Magpies will also be wary of splashing the cash so heavily once again, and a budget deal for El Khannouss could be appealing in that sense.
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT what El Khannouss would offer to the squad at St James' Park, and this was its response:
Bilal El Khannouss would add creativity and ball progression, excelling at progressive passes and carries.
Intelligent playmaker with vision and ability to find space between lines.
Comfortable under pressure; strong in possession and link-up play.
Versatility as an 8 or 10 to boost tactical flexibility.
Energetic presser with solid defensive contributions.
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