Newcastle United’s historic interest in Bilal El Khannouss has been confirmed by the player himself.
The Morocco international was a rare bright spark for Leicester City last season in the Premier League and duly attracted interest.
El Khannouss eventually left the King Power Stadium to join Stuttgart on loan in September as the German club looked to replace Nick Woltemade after he joined Newcastle United.
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The attacking midfielder has since impressed. Indeed, El Khannouss is one of the most creative players in Europe, averaging over 2.4 key passes per game.
Newcastle are still interested in El Khannouss and the 21-year-old has recently been speaking on the matter.
Bilal El Khannouss confirms Newcastle United wanted to sign him
El Khannouss is only on loan with the German side, so there is perhaps a chance he could again be available next summer. Even if he signs permanently, there’s still a feasible chance of them selling him on.
Speaking to German outlet Fussball Transfers, the attacking midfielder has confirmed both Newcastle and Crystal Palace were keen.
He admitted that, a few months ago, securing a Premier League move was his priority.
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Clearly, that didn’t happen, and while he is happy in Germany, there’s no absolute guarantee he will remain there long-term.
“Of course, the Premier League was my priority in the last transfer window,” he said.
“I was in contact with several clubs, and with some I was even in advanced negotiations. But it didn’t work out. As far as concrete offers were concerned, it was mainly Crystal Palace and, to a lesser extent, Newcastle.”
What Newcastle United are planning to do in the January transfer window
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle are considering signing a new winger in the January transfer window.
El Khannouss has previously played out on the left, although he is much more experienced as an attacking midfielder.
Interestingly, Newcastle could also look to sign a full-back and a central midfielder in January.
They won’t necessarily strengthen in all of those positions during a relatively short timeframe but it does seem as if the club are looking to improve the options in their squad.
Though goals have not generally been a problem for Newcastle under Eddie Howe, they have lacked an attacking midfielder of El Khannouss’s profile at times.
Against low blocks, Newcastle can struggle to unpick stubborn defences.
Having a creative outlet such as El Khannouss in midfield could be a way to overcome that.
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