Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a name that has been constantly doing the rounds of the Newcastle United rumour mill for quite some time now. It does look like the Belgian is the top target for the Magpies to strengthen their ranks up top.
For days, it had looked like the Magpies were struggling to find an agreement with Lille over the transfer fee. But then, the situation appeared to take a turn.
Reports had emerged earlier in the day suggesting that Newcastle United were close to an agreement with Lille for Fernandez-Pardo. It was suggested that the Magpies were now close to the amount requested by the French club for the transfer.
Of course, that felt like good news for Newcastle United, who have been trying to add to their ranks going forward. But unfortunately, there is now another twist in the saga, when it had finally looked like it was close to coming to an end.
Keith Downie drops Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Newcastle United update
It looks like the situation might not be as advanced as thought. According to Keith Downie, as of this morning, Newcastle United’s attempts to sign Fernandez-Pardo from Lille were still proving challenging.
It is claimed that Lille are making it difficult for any interested clubs. The Belgian has a transfer value of around £60 million and is open to the move.
So, the hopes that had been raised by the morning reports out of France have now been dimmed once again. It feels like cold water has been poured over them.
Anyways, Downie does mention that Fernandez-Pardo and Stuttgart’s Bilal El Khannouss are at the top of the club’s shortlist as they attempt to bring in a forward before Tuesday night’s deadline.
But at the same tine, it has been made clear that the Magpies will not sign somebody up top, just for the sake of it. They seemingly want to make the right addition or bring in nobody at all.
Will Newcastle sign anybody?
So, there is a scenario where Newcastle United do not end up signing anybody in time before the summer transfer window slams shut. And they might be okay with that as well.
Of course, one cannot overlook the fact that the Magpies have looked quite good lately. Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa look reborn under Matthias Jaissle.
That is two more options than most thought that the club had. And Nick Woltemade also put in an assist against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.
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