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SportsNewcastle revive interest in Stuttgart's El Khannouss after Lille rejects €60m Pardo bid
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Newcastle United's pursuit of Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo has stalled after the French club rejected a €60 million bid, demanding at least €70 million. In response, Newcastle has revived interest in Stuttgart's Moroccan attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, who was scouted earlier in the transfer window. El Khannouss, previously reluctant to leave Stuttgart due to Champions League participation, is now open to a transfer after the German club pushed for a sale to raise funds. Galatasaray's €22 million offer was rejected, and Stuttgart expects a higher fee. Newcastle views El Khannouss as a reliable alternative with Premier League experience, potentially making a decisive move in the final days of the transfer window.
Source report
Hupu, August 26 — French media outlet Foot Mercato reports that Newcastle United have identified an alternative transfer target—Bilal El Khannous—after facing Lille's firm stance on the sale of Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The Moroccan midfielder, currently playing for Stuttgart, was already a target for the Magpies earlier this summer. A new opportunity may now arise in the final days of the transfer window.
Stalled Pursuit of Pardo
Newcastle, which has been seeking attacking reinforcements for weeks, had made Fernandez-Pardo a priority target before the transfer window closes. The Magpies even submitted a final offer of €60 million to Lille for the Belgian winger.
However, Lille—having just sold Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for a record €100 million—has taken an especially firm stance on another young talent, demanding at least €70 million.
The Fernandez-Pardo transfer is currently at a standstill, prompting Newcastle to activate another lead already identified by management. According to sources, the Magpies are now turning their attention to El Khannous, a player they scouted earlier in the transfer window.
The Moroccan attacking midfielder remains highly regarded in England and could serve as a reliable alternative. Newcastle believes El Khannous fully meets the coach's requirements and also possesses Premier League experience.
El Khannous Now Open to a Transfer
For El Khannous, the situation has shifted in recent weeks. As previously reported, Galatasaray made a total offer of €22 million for the player, but it was rejected by Stuttgart. The German club hopes to secure a significantly higher transfer fee for their prized asset.
The Moroccan international has become Stuttgart's most marketable player. Needing to raise funds before the transfer window closes, the club has been actively seeking a way out for the player for weeks.
El Khannous had long wanted to remain in Germany to continue his development, especially given Stuttgart's opportunity to play in the Champions League this season. However, he is no longer opposed to a transfer. Stuttgart's persistent push has changed his stance, and a destination in the Premier League would be particularly appealing to him.
Newcastle may therefore seize this opportunity in the coming days to make a decisive move, using the Moroccan player as a backup plan should the Fernandez-Pardo deal fall through entirely.
Source: X
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虎扑 - 足球Regional
Part of this Story
Newcastle United agrees €60 million deal for Lille winger Matias Fernandez-Pardo