Newcastle's chances of signing Christopher Nkunku revealed in update

RB Leipzig are more likely to agree on a deal with AC Milan for Christopher Nkunku than Newcastle as it stands, sources have told Football Insider.

Nkunku has emerged as a target for both clubs as he pushes to leave Milan before the deadline passes.

Ruben Amorim has told the Frenchman that he can leave, with Newcastle looking to sign a new attacking midfielder to bolster Matthias Jaissle's squad.

Jaissle is keen to get several deals over the line to improve his weak-looking options, particularly in midfield, after the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle remain keen on Nkunku, but a return to Leipzig is his most attractive option right now.

The 28-year-old was a rising star with the Bundesliga club before he made the move to Chelsea in 2023.

Newcastle behind Leipzig in Christopher Nkunku race

Nkunku still holds Leipzig in high esteem after becoming a club hero in his four-year stint there from 2019 to 2023.

It remains to be seen if he wants to return to the Premier League after struggling at Chelsea, but Newcastle remain keen to agree a deal with Milan to add more quality to their ranks.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "You've got Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig who are interested in Nkunku and obviously he made his name at RB Leipzig as well, so that might be an attractive option for him to make that move back to Germany.

"He's a player that's on the list at Newcastle but there'll be a lot of competition for his signature as well and Newcastle might struggle to convince the player to make the move back to the Premier League if he has interest from those clubs in Germany."

Joe Willock expected to leave Newcastle as Nkunku eyed

Jaissle utilised Willock in attacking midfield during pre-season, but he is set to miss the start of the new campaign with an injury picked up in their last friendly against Strasbourg.

The 28-year-old has been closely linked with a move away from the club over the last eight months, and is set to struggle for minutes in the coming season when they make some more new signings.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are keen to let Willock leave before the deadline passes as they look to raise funds for new arrivals.

He is set to be available for a cut-price fee compared to previous valuations, with less than 12 months left on his contract.