The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United ahead of the January transfer window.

Newcastle United reportedly face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the race to sign a highly-rated France Under-21 defender.

The Magpies are believed to be keen to add to their squad during the January transfer window - although there is an acceptance players could have to be move on before any new faces arrive at St James Park. As it stands, Matthias Jaissle has four senior centre backs within his ranks for Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, captain Dan Burn and long-serving defender Fabian Schar all battling for a place in his side.

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However, the latter of that quartet is in the final 12 months of his current deal and Newcastle are thought to be targeting a younger option at the heart of their defence. TeamTalk have reported the Magpies are one of a whole host of clubs monitoring the progress of Lens and France Under-21s centre-back Ismaelo Ganiou after he impressed for club and country in recent months.

The 21-year-old has made 37 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit after rejoining them during the summer of 2025 following a spell with Italian club Padova. Ganiou, who can also play at right-back, has also featured at international level alongside Magpies keeper Ewan Jaouen and Sunderland defender Dayann Methalie for France Under-21s earlier this season.

Spurs, Chelsea, Fulham and Brentford are also said to have watched the young defender in action this season and his performances have now triggered comparisons with former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Raphael Varane. Paris Saint-Germain are said to be ‘fully aware of his potential’ and further interest has come from Italian sides Atalanta and Como and Bundesliga duo RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Ganiou is currently on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a knee injury he suffered in Lens’ 3-1 win against United’s former Intertoto Cup opponents Troyes last month and is expected to remain out of the action for ‘several weeks’ according to recent reports in France. However, that has not stopped France head coach Zinedine Zidane from considering Ganiou for a maiden call-up to the senior squad in the near future.

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