A deal for Stanley N’Soki’s move from Paris Saint Germain to Newcastle United is getting closer, according to RMC Sport.
The Magpies initially had an €8 million bid rejected, but have now had an offer of €11 million plus 20% of any sale made accepted, according to the French outlet.
N’Soki, who has represented France between U16 and U21 level, can play at left-back and centre-back.
He played 15 times for PSG last season, assisting twice during their 4-0 win in the Trophee des Champions against AS Monaco.
WhoScored have cited his passing, dribbling and ability in aerial duels as being very strong, while holding onto the ball is also a strength, though his crossing and concentration are both considered weak.
He made 2.58 tackles, 2.32 interceptions, 0.39 open play key passes and 1.68 dribbles per game, as per Football Whispers, with the first two of these showing how useful he can be in defensive situations – though he can be weak in 1v1 situations.
While these traits are encouraging, his weak crossing could be an issue for Newcastle going forward, especially as Matt Ritchie, who played 20 matches at left-back last season averaged 1.9 crosses per game across the campaign.
This could be a good move for Newcastle due to the aforementioned strengths, while also simply providing cover in the left-back department, something only provided by Paul Dummett and the aforementioned Ritchie, who was more of a winger before being converted into a new role by Rafa Benitez.
It also fits in with the approach Newcastle have taken this window, of bringing in young players whose careers are potentially on an upward trajectory, as signified by the record transfer of Joelinton.
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