The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies look to add to their squad during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United reportedly made a move for Koln star Said El Mala before embarking on their successful bid to sign Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure.
The departure of Magpies forward Anthony Gordon to La Liga giants Barcelona left the St James Park hierarchy with work to do as they looked to revitalise Eddie Howe’s squad on the back of an underwhelming season. El Mala was believed to be one option under consideration after the 19-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season in Germany football’s top tier by scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 36 Bundesliga appearances as Die Geißböcke ended the season in fourteenth place and avoided being dragged into the relegation play-off spot by just three points.
Brighton and Newcastle are reportedly keen on Cologne winger Said El Malaplaceholder image
Brighton and Newcastle are reportedly keen on Cologne winger Said El Mala | Getty Images
El Mala ended the season on a high as he racked up five goals and one assist in his side’s final nine games of the campaign and that led to talk of the winger being named in the Germany squad for this summer’s World Cup finals - but head coach Julian Nagelsmann opted against handing the 19-year-old a maiden call-up to the senior ranks after he earned seven caps at Under-21s level.
Speaking about his decision to omit the winger from his World Cup finals squad, Nagelsmann said: "He had a great second half of the season and scored well. Of course, he also fits in very well with Cologne's style of play. The question was: is he ready for our style of play at a different attacking level? If you look at the heatmap in Cologne, it's close to their own goal."
Despite that disappointment, El Mala has attracted major interest from across Europe and was believed to be close to a move to Brentford last month. Newcastle were also said to have submitted an enquiry over a possible deal to hand the winger a chance to impress in the Premier League - but SportBild have now carried claims from the player’s mother stating he will not move to England unless one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs make a move after claiming the Magpies made two separate moves to sign the youngster.
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