Ligue 1 president discusses future of Newcastle United January target

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has been discussing the future of Newcastle United target Moussa Dembele – and it sounds like it could be bad news for Steve Bruce this month.

Former Celtic and Fulham frontman Dembele has been a revelation in Ligue 1, netting 11 league goals, 14 in all competitions this campaign.

Lyon's French president Jean-Michel Aulas waves at the end of the the French L1 football match between AS Monaco (ASM) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) at the Stade Louis II stadium in Monaco on August 9, 2019. (Photo by VALERY HACHE / AFP) (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

placeholder image — Lyon's French president Jean-Michel Aulas waves at the end of the the French L1 football match between AS Monaco (ASM) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) at the Stade Louis II stadium in Monaco on August 9, 2019. (Photo by VALERY HACHE / AFP) (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

And as a result a whole host of Premier League clubs are monitoring the player, including Newcastle.

Bruce is understood to be a big fan of the 23-year-old, French-born striker of Malian descent.

Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United are all thought to have watched the player this month, along with United, who had a scout at Lyon’s clash with Bordeaux on Saturday.

But Lyon president Aulas does not want to let the player leave this month.

Speaking on RMC, he said: “We have not changed our minds. We already made this issue clear in August.

“Moussa is an excellent player. A player who we need.

“We are taking explicit measures in our recruitment to not bring someone in who will compete for his position. It is not a question of money. Moussa will be with us.”

Bruce is set to meet Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, potentially today, to discuss action in the January window.

The manager is keen to recruit quality this month and hopes to persuade Ashley to do business, like he did for previous boss Rafa Benitez this time last year with the buy of in-form Miguel Almiron.