An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Julian Draxler in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

French journalist Alexis Bernard has revealed that the Magpies are plotting a swoop to sign the German attacking midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Dan Ashworth is looking to improve the squad before the end of the window and now appears to be in talks to land the 28-year-old, who could cost up to £25m.

He tweeted: "Newcastle is interested in Julian Draxler. Contact with Paris and the player. Paris wants €20/30m."

Eddie Howe's own Zidane

The Magpies could land Eddie Howe his own version of Zinedine Zidane by securing a deal to sign the PSG maestro before the start of September.

Josuha Guilavogui, one of his former teammates, once compared him to the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus midfielder, saying:

"In the way he controls the ball, he reminds me of Zidane. His stepovers too. He's not particularly quick, but he's able to dribble past any opponent. He's able to control the ball wonderfully. Even at full stretch, he still manages to keep the ball close to him."

The central midfielder has used his Zidane-like ability on the ball to catch the eye in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 over the years. During his time in his home country, he made 153 appearances in the German top-flight and racked up 23 goals and 26 assists from the middle of the park.

Former Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt previously hailed his qualities, stating: "Julian is very, very young and his development isn't over yet. That’s what makes him such an attractive proposition. It’s fantastic to have a player with such extraordinary talent here."

Since making the move to PSG, Draxler has made 131 appearances in Ligue 1 and chipped in with 17 goals and 24 assists. In all competitions for the French team, the German maestro has scored 26 goals and set up 41 in 198 outings.

Zidane played 158 games in the French top-flight during his career, managing 32 goals and seven assists, before going on to produce 49 goals and 67 assists in 226 games for Real Madrid.

Whilst Draxler may not go down as a legend in the game, he could be Howe's own version of the former Galactico by coming in and making an impact in the final third from midfield by scoring and assisting goals.

AND in other news: Howe could land his own Dias for Newcastle in £38m deal to sign "underrated" colossus