Newcastle interested in signing £40m Lyon star Malick Fofana

A new name has been linked with Newcastle United today as our search a winger continues.Talk of a bid for Anthony Elanga has gone a little quiet, for now at least, and recent reports have hinted that certain overseas targets are yet to emerge in the media.However, that may have changed today regarding one Ligue 1 option, with ESPN’s Julien Laurens revealing that Newcastle are keen to sign the Lyon star.The 20-year-old Belgian international has just enjoyed a breakthrough season in France, contributing 11 goals and six assists despite not being a regular starter.ESPN report that Chelsea have also shown interest and were quoted a fee of ‘around £40-45m’ for Fofana, who is also attracting interest from Spurs, Everton, Fulham and Brighton.Laurens believes Fofana is a player of ‘huge’ potential, which would likely appeal to a Newcastle side who’ve often signed young players with high ceilings who can develop under Eddie Howe.However, although the wide man is capable of playing down both flanks, he has predominantly played as a left-winger over the last season, often cutting in on his right foot.