Florian Thauvin looks set to become the final "big-money signing" of Newcastle United's summer, according to The Chronicle. The publication suggests that, should the Magpies complete their move for Thauvin - which is believed to be costing in the region of £12 million-£14 million, with Remy Cabella potentially being used a makeweight - then managing director Lee Charnley will not sanction another expensive deal this summer. With Charlie Austin having reportedly been removed from the Magpies' list of targets, this report also places into doubt the rumours in France that suggest Newcastle are looking to finally make a firm bid for long-term defensive target Aymen Abdennour However, it is also suggested by The Chronicle that, should Newcastle move on some of the fringe players in their squad in the coming weeks - for example Haris Vuckic and Mehdi Abeid - then "smaller deals" could still be completed before the summer is out. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Georginio Wijnaldum and Chancel Mbemba are the three senior players to have already signed for Newcastle a combined outlay of close to £35 million during this transfer window, while Ivan Toney has also joined the development squad from Northampton Town. Although a move for Thauvin would be a positive, the general mood around the St James' Park masses is that the club still need another centre-back as well so this report may frustrate a section of the Toon fans. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
