Newcastle United Eye Youssouf Fofana in Transfer Window

Newcastle United’s midfield rebuild has taken another twist, with AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana emerging as the latest name on a growing shortlist.

With just over two weeks left in the transfer window and Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali both gone, Matthias Jaissle is scrambling for both experience and depth in the middle of the park. The club has already sounded out Bayern Munich over Joao Palhinha and kept tabs on Tottenham prospect Lucas Bergvall. Now there is a fresh option on the table.

Fofana told he can leave Milan

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto revealed on Saturday that Newcastle have made an enquiry for Fofana after Milan informed the France international he is no longer part of their plans.

“Fofana is on his way out, and he was informed of this in person,” Moretto said, via MilanNews, stressing that there are “no advanced negotiations with any specific club at this time.”

Newcastle are not alone. Moretto named the Magpies as one of three clubs to have already contacted Milan about the 27-year-old’s situation.

“I can tell you that Nottingham have inquired, Newcastle have inquired, and Juventus have inquired,” he reported.

So far, that interest is exactly that: interest. No bid, no formal talks over a fee, no agreement.

Juventus push harder as race develops

While Newcastle weigh up their options, Juventus appear to be moving with greater intent. Moretto described Fofana as “certainly an option for Juventus” and confirmed that Juve and Milan have already spoken about “possible situations and market developments” involving the midfielder.

That leaves Newcastle watching a race that is starting to form without yet choosing to sprint.

Fofana only arrived at San Siro from Monaco in 2024 for around €20 million (£17.3 million) and is under contract until 2028. Milan are now ready to cash in, and reports in Italy broadly place their asking price back in the €15–20 million bracket (£13–17 million).

For a club that has explored the far more expensive Palhinha and a different profile in Bergvall, Fofana represents something else: a ready-made international midfielder potentially available at a discount to his original fee.

Window ticking, decision looming

For now, the situation remains fluid. Moretto has repeatedly underlined that “there aren’t any advanced negotiations with any specific club at this time,” leaving Milan open to offers and Fofana waiting for clarity.

Newcastle have made their enquiry. Juventus have gone a step further and opened dialogue with Milan. Nottingham Forest are in the background.

The question is no longer whether Fofana is available. It is which club will move first, and whether Newcastle are prepared to turn a tentative enquiry into a decisive play for the heart of Jaissle’s new midfield.