Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have sent a major message of intent in the final days of the transfer window, with the club refusing to give up on a deal that could become one of their biggest moves of the summer.
Despite reports claiming the Magpies had walked away from the deal, that is not the case.
There is now fresh encouragement around the situation, with Newcastle still working behind the scenes to try and get the transfer over the line before Tuesday’s deadline.
The player at the centre of the situation is a highly-rated 21-year-old attacker who has attracted serious attention across Europe. Newcastle have been pushing to make him their latest major addition, and the latest update suggests that the door to St James’ Park is very much open.
According to Craig Hope, reports from France suggesting Newcastle had abandoned the pursuit are wrong. The club have not given up and remain determined to explore every possibility before the deadline.
That is significant because there had previously been doubts over whether the player would consider the move.
One of the biggest obstacles was believed to be his desire to play Champions League football. Newcastle cannot offer that this season, making the situation particularly complicated.
However, there has now been encouragement that the player is open to joining Newcastle.
That development could completely change the complexion of the transfer.
The Magpies clearly see the youngster as a statement addition and have continued to pursue the deal despite the difficulties involved. Rather than simply accepting defeat, Newcastle are still attempting to find a solution that would allow the transfer to happen.
The player’s identity is Matias Fernandez-Pardo, the Lille attacker who has emerged as one of Newcastle’s ambitious targets.
His potential arrival would give Matthias Jaissle another exciting attacking option and would underline Newcastle’s intention to continue strengthening the squad even as the deadline approaches.
There is still work to be done, though.
Newcastle must reach an agreement with Lille, while the player’s final decision will also be crucial. With very little time remaining, negotiations will have to move quickly if the Magpies are to turn their interest into a completed transfer.
But the latest update has certainly changed the mood around the deal.
What appeared to be a transfer that Newcastle were preparing to abandon has suddenly been given another lease of life.
And with the club still pushing, Fernandez-Pardo being open to the move could be the encouragement Newcastle needed.
The next few days could therefore be decisive.
Newcastle have already made their intentions clear. Now, they have one final opportunity to complete what could be a major statement signing before the transfer window closes.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
