Newcastle "On The Verge" Of Signing Top Transfer Target

Newcastle United are "finally on the verge" of signing Florian Thavin according to the Daily Mirror. The paper claims that United are offering £12 million for the Marseille man and are confident of completing a deal due to the player's desire to play for The Magpies in the Barclays Premier League. Any deal for Thauvin would take United's spending past the £50 million mark. The Toon have been linked with a move for the winger all summer long and have reportedly had a number of approaches knocked back by the former French league champions. Thauvin has scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 79 appearances since signing for Marseille in 2013. He has also netted seven times in 10 France Under-21 games.

The 5ft 10in forward can operate in the centre, but usually plays wide in an attacking system or as a winger.

Speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future has destroyed his relationship with L'OM's fans. He was verbally abused and spat on after a home defeat to Caen last week, according to Get French Football News. Such behaviour may force him out of the Stade Vélodrome and into St James' Park. The need for attacking options heightened on Saturday as Newcastle crashed to a 2-0 defeat away at Swansea. Full back Daryl Janmaat was sent off after 41 minutes but United weren't ever in the game before that. The addition of Thauvin would certainly add something to Steve McClaren's side going forward. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.