Newcastle United linked with Real Madrid ‘game-changer’ who knocked Man City out of Champions League

Newcastle United are lining up an ambitious approach for Real Madrid star Ferland Mendy this summer, according to reports.

Big changes are expected at the Bernabeu at the end of the season despite looking on course for a La Liga and Champions League double. A new “Galacticos” era, spearheaded by Jude Bellingham, looks inevitable.

Kylian Mbappe is expected to join Los Blancos and provide the final piece of the puzzle to a Madrid squad that has undergone a rebuild in recent seasons. Bayern Munich sensation Alphonso Davies has also been linked, a transfer that could have a positive knock-on effect for Newcastle.

The Canadian would pin down the left-back spot - paving the way for the Magpies to sign Mendy. French outlet L’Equipe claim Newcastle are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old as their summer transfer plans ramp up.

Mendy has just one year left on his contract and could be available for a cut-price fee. Madrid slapped a reported £60million price tag on the defender a year ago but that value has diminished given the uncertainty over his future.

Despite contract talks stalling, Mendy is thought to be keen on staying at the Bernabeu and has remained a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans. He played 120 minutes last week as Real Madrid stunned Manchester City on penalties in the Champions League.

As for Newcastle, left-back has proven a conundrum for the Magpies this season. Lewis Hall is regarded as one for the future, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento are not naturals in that position while Matt Targett has been sidelined through injury.

Signing Mendy would be a potential game-changer for Newcastle’s transfer blueprint. Toon chiefs have opted against signing established superstars since the Saudi-backed takeover.