Florian Thauvin is "set to fly" to Tyneside in order to undergo a medical - although doubts still remain over whether the deal will be completed, with Marseille pressing Newcastle United for additional funds. Reports in France on Tuesday claimed the Magpies were close to completing a £12 million move for Marseille winger Florian Thauvin, with Remy Cabella also heading to Ligue 1 on loan, but The Chronicle now suggest that the French side want a cash deal of £14 million for the winger, as well as potentially having a player head across the Channel on loan. The 22-year-old is expected to arrive on Tyneside on Wednesday for discussions and a medical, but the fee is as of yet undecided. On Tuesday RMC reported that the Magpies offer of £12 million (17 million) up front, plus Cabella on a season-long loan, was labelled not refusable by Marseille sources. It was claimed that Marseilles president Vincent Labrune was even pictured talking to Thauvin after Marseilles1-0 loss to Reims at the weekend, supposedly explaining to the winger that the bid is too good to turn down. However, one potential snag is that Thauvin himself will need to be convinced that a move to the Premier League is the right one for him. Any deal for Thauvin would take Uniteds 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 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-olds future has destroyed his relationship with LOMs 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 Velodrome and towards St James Park. 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.
