Germany legend warns Borussia Dortmund star against Newcastle United move as Magpies check on Ligue 1 duo

Germany legend Lothar Mattheus has called on Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko to snub interest from Newcastle United and Chelsea and commit his future to the Bundesliga club.

The 18-year-old forward is out of contract at the end of the season and remains in discussions over a new deal at Signal Iduna Park. There were reports over the last seven days stating the two-times capped Germany international could be persuaded to move to Newcastle, with suggestions the Magpies highly-ambitious owners were ready to offer a long-term deal worth £150,000-a-week.

The latest update came on Tuesday when Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed his club ‘expect a decision this week’ and admitted the youngster could depart if he is not willing to accept the offer that is currently on the table. That raised hopes Newcastle could pull off an ambitious move this summer - but Mattheus has insisted Moukoko should ignore any lucrative offer from the Premier League and commit himself to the club that has developed him during the early part of his career.

He told Sky Germany: “If Moukoko is all about the money, I might recommend him to join Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. But if he wants to further expand his still young and very promising career and wants to become a great footballer, then there is no better place for him to start than with Borussia Dortmund. There’s nothing he can’t get there. Fantastic fans, a healthy club, bosses and coaches who trust him and certainly a decent salary. What does he want after a few good months in the Bundesliga at Chelsea, Newcastle or anywhere else abroad at the age of 18?

“The competition is tough there, the clubs, fans and everyone else won’t have nearly as much patience or attention for him. If he doesn’t hit three games there, he’s on the bench. The competition is huge and the country and people are strange at first. I think it would be a mistake if he left BVB for the money now.”

Magpies make personal check on Ligue 1 duo

Football Insider have revealed Newcastle scouts were spotted at Lorient’s 2-2 draw with Monaco last week.

The report follows in the wake of suggestions the Magpies were preparing to make a £25m move for striker Terem Moffi, who bagged his 11th goal of the season for Lorient to help them secure a point. West Ham United have also been credited with an interest in the Nigerian international after he impressed during his third season with the Ligue 1 club.

A further report in France has stated United are ‘ready to draw a very nice offer’ for Lyon’s highly-rated full-back Malo Gusto. The 19-year-old defender has attracted interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona - but Foot Mercato have reported Newcastle are preparing a ‘very big proposal’ to land the youngster, who is believed to be rated at around £24m by his club.