Newcastle United admire Monaco duo after Ligue 1 scouting trips as summer transfer plans drawn up
Newcastle have watched players at Monaco, Lille, Lens and other Ligue 1 clubs
Newcastle United's January window may have been quiet but the decision makers inside St James' Park are already plotting and scheming ahead of what promises to be an active summer market.
The Magpies have vastly increased their scouting coverage in the last three years, with more emphasis put on finding gems from abroad rather than paying a Premier League premium. One country Newcastle scouts have frequently visited in recent months is France - as top talent in Ligue 1 is eyed - and AS Monaco forwards Eliesse Ben Seghir and Maghnes Akliouche are two stars who have caught the eye of St James' Park staffers.
It is understood Monaco, Lille and RC Lens are just a few of the division's top sides to have hosted staff members from Tyneside so far this season. No team look capable of catching runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain for the title but Monaco are firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot, helped in part by the performances of wide men Ben Seghir and Akliouche, who are enjoying impressive, respective, seasons for Paul Mitchell's former club.
Ben Seghir has already expressed his desire to stay with Monaco until at least the end of the current campaign but the flashy 19-year-old will not be short of suitors in the summer. Monaco are said to value the youngster at €30m [£25m], with Barcelona and Napoli two of the clubs interested.
The left-winger is adored by the Stade Louis II faithful despite, naturally, still looking a tad green. The club's 'little prince' is being tipped to go all the way to the very top after breaking into Adi Hutter's side this term.
“He has a rare profile and he has everything to have a great career,” the Monaco boss told reporters last month.
Akliouche is also swiftly becoming a prominent player in Monaco colours and made the headlines over the weekend with a stunning overhead kick finish as his side beat Rennes 3-2. The 22-year-old has just five goals to his name in all competitions but has caught the eye in his native country with his dribbling ability and playmaking qualities.
Monaco's valuation of this particular winger is almost double that of Ben Seghir's, at around €60m [£50m], with another wealth of suitors attempting to jockey for position along with Newcastle.
Chronicle Live reported last week that Newcastle scouts had also watched Lille forward Jonathan David in recent months, while Eddie Howe's side missed out on Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is now a Manchester City player, earlier this month.
Other potential targets in Ligue 1 come in the form of England midfielder Angel Gomes and Lens defender Kevin Danso, who has also been courted by Wolves this month.
It is proof Newcastle are keeping their options firmly open despite planning a low-key end to the January window. Howe has consistently stressed that incomings are unlikely before the February 3 deadline, despite also opting for a 'never say never' approach.
It is full steam ahead for the summer, however, and where Newcastle finish in the table will have a big say on the calibre of player they can poach from some of these European counterparts.