Newcastle United could be set to finally make a move for a long-term target…

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic, the Magpies have been watching Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram for some time, with the French forward having been mentioned as a viable transfer option internally.

With just six months left on his contract, there is a belief he could be snatched for a cut price.

This was confirmed by Sport Bild, who suggested he might be available for as little as £6m this January, which has unsurprisingly drawn interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United amongst others.

Their own Henry

Boasting a hulking 6-foot-4 frame but a fleet-footedness to make him a physical marvel, Thuram instantly draws comparisons to the great Thierry Henry.

This is further compounded by the fact that both have enjoyed stints on the left wing and as a central striker, with huge success.

Arsene Wenger even concurred as he told Der Spiegel two years ago: “Thierry Henry had the timing of the smartest footballers. He was also very strong physically, and technically he could do everything. 

“In fact, there’s a player in the Bundesliga who reminds me of him – Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach.”

The goalscoring exploits of the 25-year-old in the current campaign will surely suggest that he could achieve something similar to the man who Alex Song and many Gunners fans refer to as “The King”.

In just 17 games across the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, he boasts 13 goals and four assists, meaning that he is almost guaranteed to contribute offensively in every game he plays

He has already equalled his best-ever goal tally in the league for the German outfit, highlighting how he finally seems ready to take the step up to Premier League football.

There would be little worries about him competing with the physicality of English football, especially after Herve Renard’s claim that dubbed him a “physical monster”.

However, despite this, his ability with the ball is nearly unmatched.

He ranks in the top 7% for dribbles completed and combined with his newfound proficiency in front of goal, he could be unstoppable at St James’ Park.

His former teammate Denis Zakaria is another who has marvelled at his abilities, stating: “What he brings to the pitch is phenomenal”.

Perhaps if he could bring some of his Henry-esque magic to Tyneside, it could add just what Eddie Howe needs to cement their place in the top four.