‘Chances are slim’ - Coach opens up on future of Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target

Newcastle United could have been handed a boost in their bid for France striker Marcus Thuram.

The 25-year-old has been in stunning form for Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach this season after scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 17 games in all competitions. That impressive start to the campaign led to a call-up to the France squad for the World Cup Finals and Thuram made an appearance as a late substitute in their 4-1 win against Australia in their opening group stage game at the tournament.

Speculation over Thuram’s future at club level has been heated in recent weeks as he approaches the final six months of his current contract when the January transfer window opens. There has been talk of a possible cut-price move away from Monchengladbach during the window - but the striker will also be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of Germany before making a free transfer switch next summer.

Newcastle are not the only Premier League club said to be interested in Thuram, with North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly keen on the former Guingamp frontman. Monchengladbach coach Oliver Neuville has admitted ‘it will be difficult’ for Thuram to remain at the club, describing the chances of retaining his prize asset as ‘slim’.

He told Radio Sportiva: “He’s having an amazing season. He’s scored a lot of goals. I think it will be difficult for him to stay at Gladbach. If he continues to score so many goals, it’s certain he’ll have many offers from Italy, Spain and England.

“We must also be a little realistic. I hope he will still be here for a long time in Monchengladbach. But now he’s been called up by French for the World Cup, it will be difficult for him to extend. I hope (he stays). But the chances are slim.”

Thuram will hope to add to his five senior France caps when Les Bleus face Denmark in their World Cup group stage game on Saturday afternoon.