Newcastle United preparing ‘hard to refuse’ £17.2m offer for Belgian star wanted by Arsenal

The talented midfielder is expected to be in demand as doubts over his future remain.
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Newcastle United are reportedly looking to secure a cut-price deal for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans in January.

The Magpies and Premier League rivals Arsenal were both said to have shown an interest in the Belgian international during the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.

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No deal came to fruition despite speculation suggesting otherwise and the midfielder went on to feature for Brendan Rodgers’ side in defeats against Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Doubts over his long-term future at the King Power Stadium remain and Tielemans will enter into the final six months of his current deal in January. That would allow him to enter into negotiations over a free transfer to a club on the continent after the turn of the year.

Speaking about the possibility of losing one of his key players on a free transfer next summer, Foxes manager Rodgers said: “It’s not ideal but it’s happened before, players have left here for free before.

“He wouldn’t be the first one, but at this moment in time it’s about keeping an eye on the team and the squad, making sure they are ready.

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“The club will be negotiating and talking with the players’ representatives across the squad. Thus far there’s no change in Youri’s situation, there’s no offers so he’s just continuing to work well and get himself right at this early part of the season.”

With no new contract in sight Newcastle could have an opportunity to secure the midfielder for a fee lower than the £25m they were reportedly quoted last month.

French outlet Jeunes Footeux have suggested the Magpies will submit a £17.2m offer for Tielemans and are ‘putting some pressure’ on Leicester to authorise the deal.

The report goes on to state the Foxes would find it ‘hard to refuse’ with the possibility of losing the midfielder on a free transfer looming.