Newcastle are pressing ahead with plans to sign Khephren Thuram from Nice, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Italian reporter claims Eddie Howe’s side are the likeliest team to make a bid for the 22-year-old, with the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also in the mix:

“Khephren Thuram is a midfielder who has enjoyed very good performances with Nice this season and is attracting the attention of many clubs, including Chelsea, PSG, and at the moment above all Newcastle.”

“To beat the fierce competition the Magpies want to speed things up, especially relating to the high possibility of qualification for the next Champions League where they want to arrive with a very competitive squad.”

Thuram has been in impressive form for Nice this season, and his performances have certainly caught the attention of scouts from a number of high-profile clubs.

The Frenchman is not expected to be available on the cheap, though, with reports suggesting that Nice may demand as much as €60m (£52m).

If the Magpies were to match the asking price, it would make Thuram the second most expensive player in the club’s history behind Alexander Isak.

Whether he is worth that much, it is an open question but, if Galetti’s information is accurate, Newcastle could make a concerted effort to sign the midfielder in the coming weeks.