An update has emerged regarding interest from Newcastle United in RC Lens beast Seko Fofana.
What’s the talk?
According to Foot Mercato, via Get French Football News, the Magpies are showing an interest in the Ivorian as they consider their options ahead of the January transfer window.
The report claims AC Milan and Marseille are among the other clubs keen on the midfielder, whilst Lens will only cash in on him if they receive a huge offer.
Should Newcastle sign Fofana?
Yes
No
Sissoko 2.0
Eddie Howe could land Moussa Sissoko 2.0 for Newcastle by securing a deal for Fofana, whilst solving a major issue for the club.
Isaac Hayden’s average WhoScored rating of 6.53 is the highest out of all of Newcastle’s midfielders in the Premier League this season, whilst Jonjoe Shelvey topped the list with 6.80 last term. This suggests that the Magpies are desperately lacking in quality options in the middle of the park, and Howe could solve that problem by signing Fofana as he has shown his class for Lens.
Foot Mercato claims that he is fourth in Ligue 1 for distance covered this season, on 143.5 kilometres; whilst it was revealed in 2015 that Sissoko was the fastest player in the Premier League for Newcastle, clocking in at 35.3 kilometres per hour as his top speed.
The 6 foot 1 Sissoko averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.04 in his final season on Tyneside, playing 37 of their 38 league matches in 2015/16. Fofana, who stands at 6 foot tall, is a rangey midfielder in a similar style to the 32-year-old and has averaged a sublime rating of 7.22 for Lens in Ligue 1 this term.
Fofana previously admitted that Manchester City legend Yaya Toure inspired him, admitting that the Ivory Coast legend was one of his role models whilst at the Etihad Stadium.
The 26-year-old said: “He inspired me a lot. When we went on tour, we spoke about everything and nothing. I had some times that I will never forget. And on the pitch, he was a role model for me, with his long runs forward, his assists, his goals. He was able to do almost everything, he was complete.”
Fofana’s form for Lens this season shows that he has the quality to impress at the top level, averaging 3.9 key passes and dribbles per game, along with 1.7 tackles and interceptions. Much like Sissoko was for Newcastle, he has proven that he can make an impact as a box-to-box midfielder and perform consistently, which is why Howe must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for him in January.
AND in other news, Offer on the table: PIF working to land NUFC deal for beast which will leave fans buzzing…
