France defender 'flattered' by Newcastle United interest and insists he will 'have to leave' current club

The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window.

Newcastle United are expected to target a number of players with high potential during what is expected to be a hectic summer transfer window - and one reported target has suggested he is ‘flattered’ by interest from the Magpies.

There are question marks about the future of several current members of Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of the summer and the departures of full-back duo Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth and academy graduate Max Thompson have already been confirmed over the last ten days. Howe opened up on what could lie ahead for Anthony Gordon during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s visit to Fulham after the England forward was strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich and there have been suggestions the likes of Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali are drawing interest from elsewhere.

However, no matter who departs during the summer transfer window, there is a need for Howe’s ranks to be significantly strengthened as the Magpies look to move on from what has been a desperately underwhelming season as United have failed to build on the momentum of last season’s Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool.

With sporting director Ross Wilson now firmly in place, there is an expectation Newcastle will look to secure the services of several promising talents and give them a chance to shine in the Premier League. The Magpies were strongly linked with a January move for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie after the France Under-21 international established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising defenders. The 20-year-old, who is able to play at centre back and left back, suffered an injury that brought an end to United’s hopes of securing his services earlier this year - but he has now opened up on what could lie ahead as he continues to be monitored by the Magpies.

When asked about the interest from elsewhere, Methalie told Telefoot: "It is flattering. One day, I will have to leave. I would like to play at the highest level. For now, I have to keep doing what I’m doing."

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