Newcastle Retain Interest In France Winger - But Look Set To Be Disappointed

Thauvin has been tracked by the Magpies for years.

By Chris Waugh /

Newcastle United look set to be disappointed in their long pursuit of Florian Thauvin - with the winger likely to remain at Marseille next season. The Chronicle claim the 22-year-old remains firmly on the Magpies' radar, but Goal.com are adamant any potential deal will not be successful this summer. In fact, the French winger himself admitted he has been tempted to stay at the Stade Velodrome after being offered the No 10 jersey - and a more expansive role next season.
Thauvin claims he has "never cheated" and "never lied" about his future and that his intention was always to remain in Ligue 1, despite reported interest from Newcastle and Inter Milan. A long-term target for the Magpies, Newcastle have seen several offers rebuffed this summer - including the latest, which was £12 million plus Remy Cabella on a season-long loan. Speaking to Marseille€™s official website, Thauvin said of his future earlier this month:
"I€™m a footballer, and I do my job. The press do what they have to do. I know that I€™ve never cheated and that I€™ve never lied to myself, so really it doesn't matter what people say. "Coming to OM (Marseille) was really what I wanted, and I can't allow myself to leave the club by the back door. "I want to succeed at OM and that means playing here for at least one more season."
Thauvin started his career at Grenoble before moving to Bastia in 2011. A £2.5 million transfer to Lille followed in 2013 but the French winger was immediately loaned back to Bastia where he scored 10 times in 51 games. It was in 2013 that Marseille beat Newcastle to Thauvin€™s signature - and he has scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 79 appearances since. He has also netted seven times in 10 France Under-21 games. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.