Newcastle given Fernandez-Pardo 'encouragement' as late signing spree accelerates - journalist
Newcastle United are reportedly growing in confidence that Matias Fernandez-Pardo will join them if they can agree a fee for him this summer.
It was thought that the 21-year-old would only want a move to a Champions League club this summer, but, according to Craig Hope, the Magpies have received "encouragement" that the stance is shifting.
A fee would still have to be agreed with Lille, who are said to want £60million for the forward.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will meet that price, or get close enough to complete a deal, but decision-makers hope to end the summer window with a flurry of activity.
A £52m deal has been agreed to sign Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez, and he will join several other new arrivals at St James' Park this summer.
Newcastle have lost Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier and Eddie Howe this summer, but a feeling of excitement around their prospects under new manager Matthias Jaissle have begun to grow.
Why do Newcastle want to sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo?
Fernandez-Pardo joined Lille in 2024, exploding onto the scene in France last season.
The 21-year-old scored eight goals and provided six assists across all competitions, appearing across the front line.
Many of those contributions came in the second half of the season, with the forward scoring five and assisting two in his final 10 league games of the campaign.
Fernandez-Pardo's best form has undoubtedly come from the centre of the pitch, with the Belgian operating as a centre-forward supported by an advanced midfielder and two wingers.
It is likely Jaissle would want to place him in a similar position, with Will Osula, who was supported by Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga against Liverpool on Sunday, set to spend a few weeks injured.
Fernandez-Pardo's potential arrival could open the door for Nick Woltemade leave the club, amid reported interest from Germany.
Fernandez-Pardo's big red flag
Newcastle are a club that has been scorched in recent seasons by players looking to force a move away - Alexander Isak, namely.
Fernandez-Pardo appears to be attempting to do the same at Lille this summer.
"Matias was available, but didn't want to play," said Lille manager Davide Ancelotti in August after a friendly against Everton.
"There's no physical problem. The player is available, travelled with the team, but made the decision not to play." He has not played since.
While it may benefit Newcastle in this case, the question must be asked: If Fernandez-Pardo is willing to do that now, who says the same will not happen at Newcastle?