Who is Stanley N’Soki? All you need to know about this Newcastle target

According to Mail Online, Newcastle United are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain and France U20 international Stanley N’Soki. N’Soki has enjoyed a fine pre-season with the French champions but Rafa Benitez’s side are trying to offer the PSG academy graduate a permanent deal (h/t Mail Online).

N’Soki is yet to sign a professional deal in the French capital but the Ligue 1 outfit want a fee in the region of £9million for N’Soki. Newcastle are attempting to negotiate a smaller price payable in instalments (h/t Mail Online) but regardless, it would be a coup if they succeed in luring him to St James’ Park.

 Who is Stanley N’Soki?

Age

19 years old. N’Soki was born on April 9th, 1999.

Position

The versatile Poissy-born player can play as left-back, centre-back or in defensive midfield.

Background

N’Soki signed for PSG as a youngster in 2014 and progressed through Les Parisiens’ academy system. The France U20 international has been captained by his country at various youth levels. Having played for the French champions at all age groups, including eight appearances in the prestigious UEFA Youth League, he made the step up to PSG’s B team in 2017.

He excelled at reserve level and got his first chance to play for the senior side in December 2017. He made his Ligue 1 debut last season as a substitute. The French international of Congolese descent replaced Marquinhos in the 65th min during a 3-0 home victory against Caen.

However, with both Layvin Kurzawa and Yuri Berchiche ahead of him in the pecking order, he found it tough to play regularly last season. That said, Berchiche’s departure to Athletic Bilbao this summer presented N’Soki with an opportunity to impress for the first team during pre-season.

N’Soki’s performances were inspiring which earned him a place in new manager Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up in the Trophee des Champions clash against Monaco.

The 19-year-old played the whole game and assisted two goals during the 4-0 win over the principality rivals. N’Soki’s performance was quite impressive and it comes as no surprise that Newcastle are harbouring an interest in him.

Read More: Why Newcastle United ahead of Brighton could be the ideal destination for this 6ft 3in colossus

This summer, Newcastle have signed Ki Sung-yeung, Fabian Schar and Yoshinori Muto, among others. The Magpies have also signed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka permanently after a successful loan spell last season. There could be further arrivals at St James’ Park before the closure of the transfer window as Newcastle must build upon the 10th-place finish from the previous season.

But can Newcastle get the deal over the line as the transfer deadline looms large? Only time will tell.