Newcastle have made enquiries about Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.

Insider source Simon Phillips has confirmed on his Substack that the Magpies hold a “surprise interest” in the forward.

Eddie Howe’s side have not made a formal bid for Nkunku, at this stage, but there is a chance that they will make an approach before the transfer window closes.

The Frenchman is expected to leave Stamford Bridge by September 1st, with the player said to be unhappy about his position in the pecking order under head coach Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea have lowered the forward’s asking price

When Manchester United registered their interest in Nkunku back in January, his valuation was £65m, but The Athletic claim that the Blues will now accept a fee in the region of €50m (£43m) – which is £22m less than what they had originally demanded.

That is a substantial drop in the 27-year-old’s price tag and that could be why Newcastle are now open to signing him.

Where would Nkunku play?

The France international’s best performances have come as a no.10, but he is behind Cole Palmer for starts in that position at Chelsea. The majority of his minutes for the London club have come as a No.9, on the left wing or even on the right flank.

Howe has been looking for an attacking midfielder for several years. Past transfer windows have seen attempts to sign players like James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai fail.

Several other playmakers have been linked with a move to St James’ Park over the past twelve months, including Rayan Cherki, Emile Smith Rowe, Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. It remains to be seen if their interest in Nkunku is serious.

In other news, Newcastle and Man United have both made a French striker their ‘priority target’