Newcastle United ‘hot’ on deadline day move for Lyon defender as former target heads to Leeds United

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘hot’ on a loan deal for Lyon’s Brazilian full-back Malo Gusto.

The Magpies suffered a major blow when right-back Emil Krafth was ruled out for up to six months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during last week’s Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe seemed to indicate he would not look to replace the Sweden international before Thursday night’s transfer deadline with England defender Kieran Trippier and Spanish full-back Javier Manquillo still part of his squad.

However, Sky Sports have reported Newcastle are ‘in talks’ with Premier League rivals West Ham United over a deal for youngster Harrison Ashby and one report in France has suggested the Magpies have an interest in Lyon youngster Gusto.

Journalist Ignazio Genuardi took to Twitter to claim the 19-year-old was the source of interest from United but Lyon are not willing to do a deal.

Gusto broke into the Ligue 1 side’s senior setup in January last year and replaced current Magpies star Bruno Guimaraes to make his professional debut in a 5-0 win against Saint-Etienne.

Gusto has gone on to make 43 appearances in all competitions for Peter Bosz’s side and has started four of their opening five league games so far this season.

Meanwhile, one reported United target is set to secure a move to the Premier League as Leeds United close in on a move for Marseille’s highly-rated forward Bamba Dieng.

The Senegal international was linked with a move to Tyneside earlier this summer but Elland Road looks to be his likely destination after PSV Eindhoven blocked any move for Dutch international Cody Gakpo.