Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Fabrizio Romano has revealed on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness that Newcastle United are still hoping to sign Belgian attacker
Matias Fernandez-Pardo in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
The Magpies have got off to a flyer under new manager Matthias Jaissle, holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw and beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. There were concerns about his squad following big-name exits including Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
There's been no problem in attack where Yoane Wissa has rediscovered form with two goals in two games. But the Tyneside outfit have been plotting a move for Fernandez-Pardo throughout the summer and remain extremely keen on the LOSC Lille forward.
Romano: Newcastle Working on Fernandez-Pardo Deal
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Romano gave an update on Newcastle's interest in Fernandez-Pardo and confirmed that the Premier League club are working on a potential deal. He said on the latest episode of GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast:
"Leipzig had a bid rejected for him and it was around a 35 million euros package. For sure, it's going to be more from Newcastle if they want to land Fernandez-Pardo. At the moment, he's out of the squad at Lille because he wants a move, and Newcastle are on it. Newcastle are trying to make it happen, so I think they still have a chance to land him before the end of the window. Matthias Jaissle pulls three to have more and more offensive players, so that's a possibility."
Fernandez-Pardo is a versatile forward who can play on either wing, as a centre-forward or as a second striker. He impressed last season, tallying up eight goals and five assists in 29 Ligue 1 games.
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Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Ligue 1 last season)
Matches Played
Goals
Assists
Goal Contributions (G+A)
Total Shots
Shots on Target
The 21-year-old, as Romano mentioned, hasn't appeared for Lille so far this season as he continues to be linked with an exit. While RB Leipzig had a bid turned down for the player they have since re-signed Christopher Nkunku, which could help Newcastle in their efforts to bring him to Tyneside.
Tottenham Hotspur have also reportedly been keeping tabs on the Belgian and may be enticed by his pace. He is faster than centre-back Micky van de Ven which speaks volumes of his explosiveness and could be an ideal fit for Premier League football.
Newcastle The Ideal Destination For Fernandez-Pardo
St James' Park
A move to St James' seems the most likely outcome given Spurs appear to have turned their attention to Everton's Iliman Ndiaye after Cody Gakpo chose Manchester City as his preferred destination. Jaissle's side's impressive start to the season will only increase their chances of landing him before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
While Wissa and Anthony Elanga have made a brilliant starts to the season, Jaissle certainly needs more depth in attack. Harvey Barnes is often more effective off the bench than starting and new signing Bazoumana Toure is still getting settled in.
For the Toon Army, what looked to be a challenging season might turn out to be one to remember if their team can maintain their current form. Adding a player of Fernandez-Pardo's calibre to the squad will only help improve them and boost their chances of challenging for Europe.
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Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle celebrates after the match
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle celebrates after the match