As per L’Equipe (via talkSPORT), Newcastle have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Saint-Etienne winger and summer target Jonathan Bamba, as the 21-year-old has refused to put pen to paper for a contract extension at the French club.
The current contract of the France youth international is ticking down into its final year, and he’s keen on leaving for elsewhere in order to prove his quality.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is a huge admirer of Bamba and once personally scouted him.
The Spaniard attempted to get a deal to bring the youngster to Saint James’ Park over the line during the summer transfer, but Saint-Etienne refused to listen to any offers as they weren’t willing to let go of one of their best products.
However, with the latest development, Newcastle would hope they are able to convince Bamba, who is set to leave the Ligue 1 outfit for free at the end of the campaign, to join them ahead of other suitors.
Benitez has the wing duo of Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu at his disposal, but can do with the goalscoring prowess of Bamba who has scored 4 goals and assisted 1 in 7 league starts this term.
