Newcastle United have stepped up their efforts to sign Tunisian defender Aymen Abdennour from AS Monaco, according to French news outlet Foot Mercato.
It is reported that the Magpies have tabled an oenning offer of €17million (roughly £12million when converted to sterling), although Monaco will not settle for less than €20million.
Given the list of clubs interested by Abdennour – which includes Barcelona, Liverpool and Juventus – Newcastle’s chances of landing the 25-year-old seem slim.
Abdennour’s agent told Foot Mercato: “There are lots of big clubs interested in Abdennour. There are clubs that have approached us and who will come in contact with Monaco.”
“There is AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barca and Liverpool. Juventus have spoken to Monaco. Other clubs, like Inter Milan and AC Milan, will also make offers. I do not think Monaco will oppose to Aymen’s departure”
Aymen was linked with a move to White Hart Lane in the past but there has been no concrete interest from Spurs so far this summer, while reports in France suggest there has been recent interest from Premier League duo Liverpool and West Ham – as well as Newcastle.
Steve McClaren is keen on bolstering his defensive options this summer, with Mike Williamson set to depart and Fabricio Coloccini nearing the end of his contract.
