Medical booked - Newcastle United land £30m transfer breakthrough for Ligue 1 star
Monaco prospect Aladji Bamba is due on Tyneside later today ahead of his Newcastle United medical.
Newcastle United are on the brink of making Monaco youngster Aladji Bamba their fourth summer signing.
It is understood that Toon chiefs have struck a £30million deal for the France under-20 international. Bamba broke through the Monaco ranks last season, with 25 appearances after making his debut in August.
Newcastle have adopted a youthful policy in the transfer market this summer. Early breakthroughs saw moves materialise for Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur.
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Bamba is the fourth player set to arrive - bringing the average age of the summer acquisitions to 19.5. A commanding defensive midfielder, the 20-year-old will be tasked with filling the void left by Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies sold Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100million earlier this month. Several targets are still being worked on, with Newcastle keen to add a goalkeeper and versatile full-back to their ranks.
Bamba is due on Tyneside for a medical later today before completing a £30million move. Confirmation could arrive before United face Gateshead in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.
Tireless work has been ongoing behind the scenes after several frustrating weeks in the transfer market. Johan Manzambi snubbed a St James’ Park switch for Aston Villa, with Newcastle always wary of being played.
A bid for Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall was also rejected - and Nottingham Forest now appear to be leading the race. Signing Bamba is a much-needed boost for the Magpies as they prepare to attack the rest of the summer window.
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