An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Youri Tielemans in the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the club have already begun talks over a potential deal for the Belgium international as they now plot a swoop for him.
He Tweeted: "There is a growing feeling Newcastle could enter the Tielemans race, too. Dan Ashworth has already made enquiries. Challenge for NUFC would be convincing Tielemans how he fits into a midfield with Joelinton, Bruno and Shelvey. One to watch..."
This came after he claimed: "Tielemans wants to join Arsenal and Edu still in touch with his agent. Arsenal have agreed terms, and worked on the deal for a year, but have never placed an official bid."
Leicester have a reported asking price of £25m and it remains to be seen whether or not the Magpies or the Gunnerss are willing to meet it.
Eddie Howe's own Joshua Kimmich
Ashworth can land the head coach his own version of Bayern Munich star Kimmich by securing a deal for the former Monaco man.
FBRef lists the Germany international as one of the most similar players to Tielemans in Europe's top five leagues, which may come from the fact that they are both central midfielders who are capable of chipping in with goals and assists.
In the Bundesliga last season, Kimmich scored three goals and assisted nine - ranking in the 99th percentile for expected assists and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last 365 days in his position.
The Leicester man, meanwhile, chipped in with six goals and four assists in the Premier League - ranking in the 85th and 89th percentile respectively of the two aforementioned statistics - showing that he can also make an impact in the final third from a number eight or six role.
Brendan Rodgers previously lauded the gem's talents, saying: "He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with — a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see."
These comments suggest that Howe would love to work with him and that the Belgian gem is keen to fulfil his potential. He could, therefore, develop whilst at St. James' Park - given that he is currently 25 - and eventually reach Kimmich's levels of creativity - making him the Magpies' own version of the German maestro.