Eddie Howe forced into rapid response as Marseille in talks with Newcastle target Isaak Toure

Newcastle will need to move fast if they are to snare Isaak Toure from Le Havre after news emerged that Marseille are already in talks over the defender.

The 19-year-old has been turning heads with his displays for the Ligue 2 outfit. Having been handed his debut with a 60-second cameo in 2020-2021, the giant centre-half saw plenty of action last season. He made 12 starts among 17 league outings and caught the eye of a number of top European clubs.

The Magpies were among them while Eintracht Frankfurt, Manchester City and Lyon have also been linked. But it seems as though it is Marseille who have moved quickest to try and land the France Under-19 ace.

Les Phoceens reportedly held talks with his representatives on Sunday. Having finished second behind Paris Saint-Germain in the French top flight last season, Jorge Sampaoli wants talented reinforcements.

And Toure is seen as one of the hottest rising stars in French football. Foot Mercato are reporting that Marseille now hold all the aces in the race for his signature.

However, Newcastle have the funds to compete with most clubs in the transfer market. And if Eddie Howe really wants the 6 ft 9 in stopper, then he will surely flex his financial muscles once again.

The ex-Bournemouth chief has shown himself to have a decent eye for players with his January recruitment. And it may be that Toure is tailor-made for the cut-and-thrust of the Premier League.

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