By admin 
According to Football Insider, Newcastle have moved their attention to Nice midfielder Kephren Thuram after’receiving little encouragement’ in our bid to sign Nicolo Barella.
We are clearly aiming to add a great man in the center this summer and have identified Barella as a major target, but the Italian is not convinced of a move to St James’ Park.
As a result, we’re said to be working on a deal for Thuram, who would cost roughly £35 million and is also wanted by Liverpool, who were said to be in preliminary talks with the 22-year-old last week.
The 6ft 4′ Frenchman – who has two years left on his contract with the Ligue 1 club – has been heavily linked with Newcastle in recent months, with The Athletic’s George Caulkin, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards and The Mail’s Craig Hope all confirming our interest.
One factor that could be huge in persuading the French youth international to Tyneside is our Champions League status. This is something Liverpool are NOT able to offer after ending the season in 5th.