Newcastle United rival Man United for £10m star who’s close friends with Allan Saint-Maximin

Newcastle United are finally back in action this week following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Lionel Messi and Argentina won gold in Qatar, coming out on top against France in a dramatic final, winning the penalty shootout. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s men are preparing to get back to it after more than a month on the sidelines. The Magpies return to competitive action against AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, and they will then take on Leicester City in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

The January transfer window will follow shortly after, and with that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding St James’ Park:

Thuram race

Newcastle could have a rival in the race to land reported target Marcus Thuram.

The France World Cup star has been linked with the Magpies in recent times amid an impressive World Cup campaign, and according to Sport Bild, Manchester United are now interested in pulling off a deal in January as they look to add a striker to their ranks.

Thuram is out of contract at the end of the season, and it has been reported that Borussia Monchengladbach could sell for somewhere between £8million and £10million.

Turner-Cooke decision

Newcastle are said to be considering sending youngster Jay Turner-Cooke out on loan in the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old played against Rayo Vallecano recently, and he is tipped to have a big future, already working with the first-team. Though, the youngster may benefit from regular football elsewhere while he waits for his chance, and the Daily Mail say the club are now mulling over whether they should send him on loan for the rest of the season.

It’s claimed there has already been interest from clubs lower down the pyramid over a temporary move.