In Focus: Newcastle lead race for highly-rated defender; not ready for first team yet

by hc12369.com Uncategorized

According to reports on talkSPORT, Newcastle United are leading Red Bull Salzburg in the race to sign Saint-Etienne defender Mickael Nade.

Who?

The 18-year-old is a highly-rated centre-back who is yet to make his first team debut for the Ligue 1 outfit, but has impressed in appearances for the Under-19 and reserve teams.

Nade has already been likened to Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, who also started his career with Saint-Etienne.

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What’s the word, then?

Well, the young defender’s contract with the French outfit runs out in June, and it appears as though he would like to move on, with England being his preferred destination.

Red Bull Salzburg will battle Newcastle for his signature, but it is understood the offer of a professional contract at St James’ Park could be too good an opportunity to turn down.

Would he be involved in the first team?

Probably not.

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Having not even made his senior debut for his current club, Nade certainly wouldn’t be thrown straight into the first team if he did move to Newcastle – especially if they are promoted back to the Premier League this season.

However, he would definitely get some experience with the club’s Under-23 side, which would allow manager Rafa Benitez to take a closer look at the teenager.