Newcastle United have enquired over the availability of France under-21 international Abdoulaye Doucouré, according to fresh reports from L’Equipe.
The 23-year-old, who is under contract at Stade Rennais until July 2017, has also been subject to interest from Leicester City and Watford. The Hornets failed with a late €10million (equivalent to £7.4million when converted to sterling) move in the summer transfer window and are hoping to finally land their man.
Doucouré has received plaudits for being a fantastic all-round midfielder capable of playing in a variety of roles. While he is capable of occupying his defensive duties, the French midfielder has spent the majority of his appearances this season in a more advanced attacking role.
As one Newcastle fan, Bobby Martins, rightfully pointed out on Twitter, Henri Saivet of Bordeaux may be a cheaper and more realistic alternative to Doucouré, considering the interest from Premier League rivals in better league positions.
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have already held discussions with Bordeaux with regard to signing Saivet, with the Ligue 1 outfit setting an asking price of €4million.
The Mirror had suggested that Saivet was having second thoughts about a January move to Tyneside, due to Newcastle’s current Premier League struggles, but Foot Mercato have denied these claims. ‘A source close to the player’ told the reliable French news outlet that Saivet has already entered discussions with the Magpies.
Steve McClaren has been crying out for a central midfielder capable of aiding the transition from defence to attack this season, so the addition of either player would certainly help strengthen the side.
Doucouré, who has occupied a more advanced role than Saivet this season, has created the greater number of chances between their pair, but Saivet boasts a greater number of forward passes and shots taken, while also possessing far superior defensive stats (more interceptions, more blocks, more tackles won, etc).
If McClaren continues to deploy Georginio Wijnaldum as a number 10, as he did in Newcastle’s last outing at Arsenal, then pursuing Saivet over Doucouré would seem like a wise decision.
Saivet, if used in a set-up like this, would be an excellent addition. He is the missing link between defence and attack that Newcastle have been crying out for ever since allowing Yohan Cabaye to depart in January 2014.
For highlight reels of Doucouré and Saivet, check out these videos below.