Monaco youngster Mehdi Zerkane has entered discussions with Newcastle United over a potential transfer this summer, though he also has other interest.
The Magpies, who avoided relegation from the Premier League yet again this season, have yet to reach an agreement with Rafael Benitez regarding a new contract at the club.
Benitez’s existing deal is set to expire this summer and the negotiations between him and the club have continued to drag on, as the fans anxiously wait for a decision.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Benitez’s future, Newcastle have already ventured into the summer transfer window, as they aim to bolster their squad for next season.
As such, the Magpies have been linked with a move for several players, including Monaco talent Zerkane, with the transfer window in England now open for business.
And according to French sports daily L’Equipe, Zerkane has now entered discussions with Newcastle over the possibility of joining during the close season.
The 19-year-old midfielder is out of contract at Monaco this summer and has piqued the interest of several clubs, including Newcastle, due to his imminent free agent status.
It is claimed that in addition to the interest from Newcastle, there are two unnamed clubs from Ligue 1 keeping a close eye on the developments regarding Zerkane.
However, the player has now initiated talks with Newcastle in the hopes of landing himself a move to Premier League ahead of the upcoming season.
Zerkane, who has yet to make his senior appearance for Monaco, featured prominently during their UEFA Youth League campaign this term.
