Man Utd facing battle to seal Boubacar Kamara transfer as Newcastle plot £10m raid

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Newcastle United are preparing to rival Manchester United for the signature of Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara in the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports. The 22-year-old will be a free agent in the summer as things stand and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the mid-season market.

Kamara has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s hottest prospects in recent years after making his way through Marseille’s youth ranks and into the first-team picture.

He has already made the deep-lying midfield role his own with a string of impressive performances, racking up 20 appearances for the French heavyweights since the beginning of the campaign.

However, it seems likely that a move elsewhere could soon be on the cards after failing to agree extended terms with Marseille despite holding lengthy talks over the last few months.

Negotiations are said to have stalled in recent weeks to leave Kamara and his representatives with the task of finding a new club ahead of next season.

He is said to have no shortage of admirers, with United reportedly keeping a close eye on his development as they seek a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic in the engine room at Old Trafford.

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However, it seems as though Newcastle could be well-placed to nip ahead of the Red Devils to secure Kamara’s services at the turn of the year.

The Magpies are planning to submit a £10million bid in order to jump the queue and bring the midfielder to St James’ Park next month, according to The Sun.

The report claims that Eddie Howe has already instructed the club’s hierarchy to pursue a move for Kamara as he eyes additional reinforcements ahead of the Premier League run-in.

Meanwhile, United are not prepared to pay a transfer fee and will hold out until the end of the season with the intention of sealing a deal for nothing.

Newcastle’s owners have already lined up talks with Marseille to discuss the possibility of a January move for Kamara, but it remains to be seen whether he can be convinced to join the Magpies next month.

Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Kamara as of late but there is said to be no suggestion that an approach for the Frenchman is currently in the works at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, former United midfielder Luke Chadwick recently suggested that his old club would reap the rewards of a move for Kamara as they look to establish themselves as Premier League title contenders once again.

“He looks a promising player, really athletic, and fits that mould for the modern day defensive midfield role,” Chadwick told Caught Offside earlier this month.

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“He’s also confident on the ball and can pick out a pass, obviously it’s well documented that Man United are looking to strengthen in that position.

“It’s probably been 18 months now with the main pairing being Fred and Scott McTominay, and though they’ve done a decent job for United, to get to the next level you need to strengthen that position, particularly just to give options to the new manager in charge.

“He might not be a household name, but United have shown before that they can find young players and develop them into world class players, it’s an exciting link.

“I’m not sure if there are other options out there, but it looks like a good signing for the future, as well as right now.”

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