Newcastle United are plotting a bid for AS Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons, according to Calciomercato, but the arrival of the Frenchman would suggest the summer exodus from St James’ Park is far from over.
Gonalons has been on the Giallorossi’s books since the summer of 2017, when he left academy side Olympique Lyonnais after eight years in Les Gones’ first-team.
The 30-year-old’s time at the Stadio Olimpico has been far from as successful than his lengthy career with Lyon, though, as he made just 23 appearances across all competitions before leaving for Sevilla on loan in 2018, and his return to Rome is expected to be short-lived.
Newcastle are allegedly considering a move for the veteran defensive midfielder, as Toon chiefs look to strengthen the core of our first-team for whoever succeeds Rafa Benitez, likely Sheffield Wednesday head coach Steve Bruce.
It is not noted what fee the Magpies executives keen on Gonalons have in mind, but a move is not expected to be at a lofty figure with Calciomercato suggesting the former France international is being targeted as a low-cost signing.
Gonalons has two years remaining on his £60,985-a-week contract with Roma, and is valued at £3.6million by TransferMarkt following his year in Spain, where he could only make 13 appearances for a combined 762 minutes on the field across all competitions.
The club considering a defensive midfielder could suggest one of our current first-team members may be off this summer, continuing the wake left behind by Rafa Benitez, Salomon Rondon, Ayoze Perez and Joselu as the Toon exodus took shape.
Sean Longstaff has been the subject of a lot of speculation regarding a potential move to Manchester United. And while no bids have yet been forthcoming, with the Red Devils valuing the North Shields-born star up to £30million below our believed £50million asking price, the 21-year-old would be interested in talking to the Old Trafford side.
Isaac Hayden has also had his future cast into doubt since the recent campaign drew to a close after stating that he expects to leave United, but is still on the clubs books as we enter the final month of the window, despite West Ham and Brighton reportedly being interested in the £15million man.
Gonalons’ potential arrival may boost either’s chances of leaving this summer, but neither will wear the colours of someone else until the club’s valuations are met.