Newcastle United have reportedly held discussions with representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram.
The Frenchman has performed well this season, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists across 26 competitive appearances.
Thuram, who has been with Borussia Monchengladbach since 2019, is out of contract at the end of the season.
The club's sporting director Roland Virkus recently confirmed that the 25-year-old will depart on a free transfer this summer.
"We have to accept that there are even bigger clubs where Marcus might go," Virkus told Sport1. "The fact that players will leave us for free is not a positive situation and I am not going to sugarcoat this."
Thuram is attracting interest from a whole host of clubs, including Premier League side Newcastle, who are looking to sign a versatile forward that can play through the middle and out wide.
According to 90min, the Magpies have already opened discussions with the player's representatives about a move to the North East of England.
The report claims that Newcastle view Thuram as a potential replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin, who is being linked with a summer departure.
Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly cooled their interest in Thuram, but Eddie Howe's side could still face further competition for his signature.
Inter Milan are believed to be among his admirers, and they are confident of winning the race for the France international.
Several Premier League clubs have also been linked, including Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City and West Ham United.
In addition to strengthening their forward line, Newcastle are also expected to bolster their midfield in the upcoming transfer window.
Thuram's younger brother Khephren Thuram could potentially be an option, with Newcastle among a number of clubs who are considering a move for the Nice midfielder.
Marcus and Kephren Thuram are currently with the France national side, and the latter appeared as a late substitute in Friday's 4-0 win over the Netherlands in Euro 2024 qualifying. body check tags ::
