Newcastle's Bid For Thauvin To Be Rejected - As They Monitor Teammate's Situation Too

Newcastle United look set to see their latest offer for Florian Thauvin rebuffed by Marseille as they continue to court the French winger. La Provence claim the Magpies have offered £12 million (‚17 million) plus midfielder Remy Cabella on a season-long loan deal, but that Marseille want a fee in the region of £15 million. Interestingly, the French publication also assert that Newcastle remain keen on bringing Thauvin's Marseille teammate Mario Lemina to St James' Park this summer.

The central-midfielder has been eyed as a potential replacement for Cheick Tiote, should the Ivorian leave Tyneside during the current transfer window. Marseille have already sold the likes of Dmitri Payet to West Ham United for £11 million and Giannelli Imbula to Porto for £22 million this summer - and they may need to continue to recoup funds, so Thauvin is another who could depart, although they would prefer to hold on to him. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside in the past because he is a favourite of chief scout Graham Carr€™s and reports in May claimed the Magpies were close to agreeing a £12 million fee for the France Under-21 winger, although nothing came to fruition. 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. The 5ft 10in forward can operate in the centre, but usually plays wide in an attacking system or as a winger. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.