Newcastle United ‘make contract offer’ for defender who was ‘close’ to joining Man Utd

Newcastle United are reportedly making the first steps in a move to take Monaco and France defender Axel Disasi to St James Park.

The former Reims centre-back has become one of the most consistent defenders in Ligue 1 after making 129 appearances since joining Monaco in a £9m deal during the summer of 2020. His form for club and country has attracted attention from several clubs around Europe, with the likes of Arsenal, Wolves and Manchester United all linked with a move for his services in recent years.

However, French outlet FootMercato have now claimed Newcastle have ‘decided to move up a gear’ in their search for defensive reinforcements and have made a contract offer to Disasi’s representatives and reveals discussions between the two clubs ‘have already begun’ over a deal that would see Monaco demand around £34million for their prize asset.

The report suggests the United hierachy are hoping to taking advantage of Manchester United’s need to resolve other issues within their squad as Erik ten Hag looks to complete a move for Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana and Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund before turning his attention towards a deal for another centre-back.

The Red Devils are said to have a long-standing interest in Disasi and FootMercato have revealed the player’s brother visited Manchester earlier this year to discuss the possibility of a summer move to Old Trafford. Monaco are already said to be making plans for a successor to the four-times capped France international as they ‘advancing’ with a move for Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, who has also been linked with a move to Newcastle over the last 12 months.