Steve Bruce 'plans' contract talks with Newcastle United ace as Magpies 'battle' Everton for £10.4m-rated midfielder

Here is a round-up of the latest:

Magpies reportedly interested in Metz duo

Newcastle United are interested in Metz duo Pape Matar Sarr and Boubakar Kouyate.

That’s according to French publication L’Equipe via Sport Witness, who reports the Magpies are one of several clubs keen on the duo.

Sarr, 18-years-old, has become an established member of the Ligue 1 club’s midfield with two goals in 18 appearances.

The Senegalese international is “highly sought after” with Chelsea, Everton and Nice also admirers. It is claimed the latter are preparing a £10.4million offer.

Meanwhile, Kouyate, a central defender, is attracting interest from the Magpies, Roma and Atalanta.

The 24-year-old only joined the club from Troyes for £3.15m last summer as United look ahead to next season – hopefully in the Premier League.

Newcastle plan Jacob Murphy contract talks

Newcastle United are planning fresh contract talks with Jacob Murphy, reports Football Insider.

The 26-year-old has excelled in his wing-back role in recent months, which has led to calls for the boyhood Toon fan to be handed a new deal.

Murphy is said to be attracting interest from Rangers, Southampton and Watford with conflicting reports on when his current contract expires.

However, Steve Bruce and co are looking to tie the former Norwich City man down longer-term, with talks ‘expected’ to begin in the coming weeks.

Toon will need to ‘haggle’ over Joe Willock price-tag

Steve Bruce wants to keep Joe Willock at Newcastle United on a permanent basis – but the Daily Mirror explains why that might not be possible.

The on-loan Arsenal midfielder scored for the third substitute appearance in a row on Saturday to earn United a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

He has netted four goals since arriving on January transfer deadline day, with speculation suggesting the Gunners value him at the £20m mark.

According to the national publication, the decision to not include a loan-to-buy option in his contract leaves the Magpies vulnerable.

And Bruce will likely need to negotiate a lower price tag if the 21-year-old is to return next season.

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