Newcastle United open talks to sign Chelsea target

Newcastle United have opened talks with Marcus Thuram over a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The Frenchman was heavily linked with Chelsea in the January transfer window and enquiries were made to Borussia Monchengladbach.

The German outfit were willing to sell him for around €15m but Thuram eventually made the decision to see out the season with them.

It is now reported that the Magpies have opened discussions to sign the World Cup finalist whose contract expires at the end of June.

Chelsea have yet to revisit their interest, but Thuram may not join them. He is keen on playing Champions League football next term.

Newcastle are not guaranteed of qualifying for the competition, but they are in a strong position to do so at the current point of time.

The Tyneside outfit are only a couple of points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and have played two games less than them.

Newcastle host Manchester United following the international break.