Newcastle United ‘battle’ West Ham and Man United for £26m midfielder as ‘target’ signs new deal

Newcastle United, Manchester United and West Ham United are all showing a keen interest in Lille’s highly-rated youngster Carlos Baleba.

The 19-year-old midfielder broke into the Ligue 1 club’s senior setup last season after impressing in their academy and went on to make 21 appearances during the campaign. His performances captured the attention of his team-mates with Lille forward Jonathan David describing him a ‘something different’ in an interview with French outlet La Voix Du Nord.

The Canada international said of Baleba: “I could tell you I can’t believe he’s 18. We know that the midfield is an important part of the field, especially to allow us to control the game. Carlos is young, but he brings something different, which is very good for us. He’s powerful, tough, drives the ball very well, can find a pass.”

Baleba’s development also captured the attention of a number of potential suitors and the same outlet has reported Lille are open to allowing the youngster to depart if they receive an offer in the region of £26million. The article cites the sale of Amadou Onana to Everton as the basis for their valuation of Baleba, who is described attracted to a move to the Premier League.

Newcastle, Manchester United and West Ham are said to be ‘among the most insistent contenders’ to sign the Cameroon-born midfielder, with all three players placing the youngster on their list of targets for the summer transfer window.

Reported Magpies target commits to Serie A giants

France international Adrien Rabiot has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months and Newcastle have been named alongside the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool as possible suitors.

Rabiot would have been available on a free transfer over the coming weeks as his current deal with Juventus reaches its conclusion - but the Serie A giants have now confirmed the midfielder has agreed a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2024. Rabiot has made 177 appearances for the Bianconeri since he moved to Turin from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2019 and helped Juve to a Serie A title, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italia during his time at the club.