Striker ‘leaning towards’ Newcastle United as Bayern Munich ‘cool interest’

Bayern Munich have reportedly handed a boost to Newcastle United in their bid to sign Borussia Monchengladbach and France striker Marcus Thuram.

The 25-year-old is one of a number of attacking players said to be under consideration by the Magpies hierachy as they look to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad during the January transfer window. Although United are said to be expecting a relatively quiet month, there have been suggestions they will be active if they feel the right player is available at the right price.

There will not be without competition if they opt to make a firm move for Thuram, who has significant interest after impressing during the first half of the Bundesliga season. With 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances in all competitions, the former Guingamp frontman is said to be on the radar of the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur as he approaches the final six months of his current contract.

That would allow him to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of Germany and a recent report has suggested Gladbach are willing to sell the striker in a cut-price deal during the January transfer window, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Bayern Munich were said to be ready to make an offer for Thuram - but German outlet Bild have reported the Bundesliga giants have ‘cooled their interest’ and have revealed the striker is ‘leaning towards’ a move to Tyneside. Recent reports in Germany have also suggested that an offer of £8.5m would be enough to persuade Monchengladbach to part company with their prize asset during the January transfer window.