Newcastle United ‘approach’ £28m midfielder wanted by Leeds United and Liverpool

Newcastle United face competition from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain as they consider a move for Borussia Monchengladbach’s highly-rated midfielder Kouadio Kone.

With Eddie Howe said to be keen to add a number six to his current squad, Kone is said to be on a list alongside the likes of Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and Nice’s Khephren Thuram as possible targets under consideration by the Magpies hierarchy after he was watched on several occasions over the last few months.

The once-capped France Under-21 international made the move to Monchengladbach and after completing the deal, the club’s sporting director Max Eberl said: “Kouadio Kone is a really interesting player, who we have been following for some time now for the French youth national teams and his club FC Toulouse. He’s a huge talent who has been monitored by top clubs from across Europe. We’re delighted that he has chosen to join Borussia Mönchengladbach and the Bundesliga.”

He returned to former club Toulouse on a half-season loan but it is his form since joining his permanent employers during the summer that has led to interest from several clubs around Europe.

Kone has scored one goal and provided one assist in 15 appearances in all competitions but has impressed with his work-rate and energy in the heart of midfield. His influence has grown throughout the season and had played a major part in helping his side to the fringes of the European places in the Bundesliga.

French outlet MediaFoot have now claimed Newcastle have already approached Monchengladbach over a possible £28m deal for the midfielder - but now face competition from Paris Saint-Germain after they ‘made contact’ with the player’s representatives. Describing Kone as ‘a diamond talent’, the report states that Monchengladbach hope Kone’s asking price will increase as his current form continues and warns he “is perceived by many European sports management as one of the most complete young midfielders”.

Liverpool and Leeds United have also been linked with a move for Kone in recent months.