An update has emerged on Newcastle United's transfer pursuit of Lille gem Renato Sanches...

What's the talk?

According to Calcio Mercato, the Magpies are set to blow AC Milan out of the water with their offer for the Portuguese midfielder.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 side want £29.5m (€35m) for his services, with Newcastle lining up a January deal for the beast.

Ecstatic

Newcastle fans will surely be ecstatic by this update from the Italian outlet as Sanches could be a sublime addition to Eddie Howe's side and improve their chances of beating the drop. He has been in fine form with Lille since his move to France and could improve the midfield options at St. James' Park.

Supporters will also be buzzing to read that PIF are able to outbid a European giant in the form of AC Milan, as it shows their financial muscle as well as their intent to build a legacy on Tyneside. They are seemingly willing to commit large sums of money to bolster the squad, with this report on Sanches emphasising their ambition in the market.

In his two full Ligue 1 seasons for Lille to date, Sanches has averaged WhoScored ratings of 7.13 and 6.78 respectively - helping them to win the title in his second campaign.

This term, he has averaged an impressive 3.7 key passes and dribbles per game in the league, showing his ability to drive forward with the ball and create chances from a midfield position.

Jonjo Shelvey's 1.4 key passes and dribbles per game tops the Newcastle squad in terms of central midfielders, showing how much of an upgrade Sanches could be in that role. This shows that the Portuguese international could come in and add running power and creativity to the side, which would then unlock the attacking players at the top end of the pitch.

His ability to progress the play could allow the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Joe Willock and Callum Wilson to become more involved in the game. Sanches would then provide the missing link between the thirds to patch up pieces of play and ensure that Howe's team move forward in transition efficiently and effectively in the Premier League. Based on all of that, fans are likely to be ecstatic with this news.

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