NUFC Transfers: 5 Late Deadline Deals That Could Still Be Made

3. Florian Thauvin

florian thuvain In a slightly unexpected move from the club on deadline day, Newcastle have made an offer of £12 million for French ace Florian Thauvin, according to the Daily Star. I don't think I need to tell you how good a move this might be €“ the Lille player lit up Ligue 1 last year but is now ferociously angling for a move. When I say ferociously, that isn't an understatement €“ the youth international is currently at the centre of the nation's ugliest transfer saga, and has hardly covered himself in glory by refusing to turn up for training. Yet the main war of words appears to be between Lille and the current front-runners for Thauvin's signature, Marseille. For the moment Lille hold all the cards, and may resort to selling their want-away player abroad instead of potentially strengthening a side who will challenge them for the Champions League places this year. As far as the Magpies are concerned, this is a match made in heaven €“ they already field Lille alumni in Yohan Cabaye and Mathieu Debuchy, who along with the rest of the much-publicised French Connection could aid any potential bedding in process. And if Cabaye is going to leave, Thauvin would be an excellent replacement, especially considering he may leave for almost half the cost of Cabaye's expected fee.
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Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League. You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.