Newcastle United told to agree Adrien Rabiot deal within days after latest – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Adrien Rabiot could strike up a formidable partnership with Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United ahead of a potential January deal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it would be a reflection of the Magpies’ Champions League credentials if the 27-year-old agrees to join.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (6 December), Newcastle are ready to “go on the offensive” to sign Rabiot in January.
The report claims Juventus would accept an offer of between €15-20million (£12.8-£17.2million) for the midfielder – who is out of contract in June 2023.
Alternatively, Newcastle could wrap up a deal on 1 January by agreeing a pre-contract with Rabiot ahead of him joining the club next summer.
Rabiot, who was the subject of interest from Man United during the off-season, has started four of France’s five games at the World Cup in Qatar.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he’s been fantastic for France.
“We’ve seen him control games, and he’s got that physicality about him which I think means he will compete well in the Premier League.
“Guimaraes and himself would be such a formidable partnership. That’s full of experience and competitiveness.
“If they can get that deal done then it just shows where Newcastle are looking to go and where they expect to be.”
Newcastle sit third in the Premier League after losing just one of their opening 15 games of this season.
They return to top-flight action against Leicester on 26 December.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Leicester tell Newcastle United what it will cost to sign James Maddison in January.