Newcastle United are closing in on a deal for Amiens right-back Emil Krafth, according to Courrier Picard.
The French outlet claimed over the weekend that Krafth was left out of Luka Elsner’s squad to face Leganes in Les Licornes’ final pre-season game, as the Ligue 1 side feared the 20-cap Sweden international suffering an injury which would prevent his transfer going through before Thursday’s deadline.
Former Olympique Lyonnais defender Christophe Jallet played in his place in order to familiarise himself with Elsner’s plans, ahead of the Ligue 1 curtain-raiser against OGC Nice on Saturday, but Amiens are yet to agree a fee with Newcastle for Krafth.
Progress has been made following United’s initial €1.5million (£1.3m) approach, but are yet to reach a definitive agreement having signed the defender to a permanent deal for €2.5million (£2.2m) earlier this summer.
Following reports of a €5million (£4.5m) advance also being rejected, The Northern Echo understand Amiens would accept a fee in the region of €7million (£6.5m), and would be happy to receive payments staggered over a number of windows.
Part of the €7million fee can also be offset via potential add-ons, but moving for another forward before Deadline Day is now looking unlikely without players first leaving Tyneside.
Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted to Courrier Picard’s claims that Amiens left Krafth out of the squad to face Leganes at the weekend due to our interest…
Will give us options if we want to change to a back 4.
— max (@SimplyAlmiron) August 4, 2019
He’s class on what I’ve seen can score a goal or two too ????
— Just A Mag007 (@mrtboy64) August 4, 2019
Underwhelming
— Jari Salmenaho (@shenanigan99) August 4, 2019
20 caps for Sweden so can’t be too bad
— Adam Murray (@adam_murray17) August 4, 2019
Would be a decent addition
— Adrian (@Adrian____29) August 4, 2019
This makes more sense under our transfer policy than Tav does simply because he’s almost 4 years younger and has room to increase value plus he’s Sweden RB he’s not mug
Not the most inspiring of transfers but if he’s an upgrade in RB position that’s a massive plus
— Dell ???????? (@agbnufc) August 4, 2019
Get a striker in and get colback, lazar, saviet out, and thats the best window in years. Shame about that bruce fella
— Javid Campbell-Cohen (@JavidCo) August 4, 2019
Would have to be ridiculous not to be an upgrade on Manquillo
— Martin ◼️◻️◼️◻️ (@MartinJS27) August 4, 2019
only 25 and already looks decent. good signing for that cheap as well.
— ???????????????? (@WonjoMelvey) August 4, 2019
Anyone but elmohammedy
— Adam Pearson (@MikeAshleyFan12) August 4, 2019
As a Swedish guy this makes me very happy, finally maybe a swede in the team????????????????
— TheSwedishMagpie (@MaxVonMentzer) August 4, 2019
An underrated defender, but is really dependable, strong, both on and off the ball, got some pace and has decent crosses and loves to follow up on attacks.
— TheSwedishBeard (@TehSwedishBeard) August 4, 2019