Newcastle United and Liverpool transfer target set for St James’ Park visit

Newcastle United are set to get a first-hand look at a player who has been on their transfer radar this summer.

Khephren Thuram will be a part of the Nice squad that plays at St James’ Park this weekend to compete in the inaugural Sela Cup, also involving Newcastle, Fiorentina and Villarreal.

Although the Magpies aren’t scheduled to face Nice, Howe and interested supporters will get an opportunity to see Thuram in action with the French club’s fixtures taking place before Newcastle’s on Saturday and Sunday.

The 22-year-old had been expected to leave the Ligue 1 outfit. He is admired by United and has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

However, with Sandro Tonali joining Newcastle from AC Milan for £52million and Liverpool attempting to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, Thuram is likely to remain where he is for now.

Thuram currently has two years remaining on his contract at Nice, where he scored two goals in 48 appearances during the 2022-23 season. He is a France international and featured at the under-21s European Championships last month.

Newcastle have spent £90million on Tonali and Harvey Barnes from Leicester City so far this summer. Howe is keen to bolster his defence as talks with the Southampton over England under-21s full-back Tino Livramento continue.

Nice central defender Jean-Clair Todibo is also a player of interest to the Magpies.