Newcastle United will be keeping tabs on Guéla Doué at the World Cup as the Ivory Coast international becomes the latest player linked with the Magpies.
A right back would certainly be a sensible addition for Newcastle this summer, given that the club have already lost two options following the exits of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Tino Livramento. His injury record may have put his biggest suitors off, but a couple of good performances in the United States for England could soon change that.
Even if Livramento stays, Newcastle still need another full back. Their options are very limited. Enter Guéla Doué.
Everton also watching
The older brother of Paris Saint Germain forward Désiré Doué, the RC Strasbourg defender is being watched by both Everton and Newcastle.
In The Daily Mail’s World Cup XI in the shop window, Doué gets a mention as a target for the Premier League duo. He is billed as an attack minded right back, exactly what Newcastle need in the absence of Trippier.
The Mail also claims that Everton may not pursue their interest, citing that David Moyes is likely to want more Premier League experience. That could leave the door open for Newcastle.
The numbers
There is not a great deal of detail in the Mail’s mention, but Doué has been linked before with a price tag of £26m.
With so little enthusiasm for this World Cup, the more players Newcastle are linked with who will be in action over there, the more incentive there is to watch.
Ivory Coast get their campaign underway on Monday against Ecuador. Unfortunately, it is a midnight kick off, so unless you want to go into work bleary eyed, it is probably one to skip.
Doué’s numbers at Strasbourg last season were impressive for a full back: two goals and seven assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. That is the kind of full back Newcastle fans love.
Rumour rating: 5/10
Too early to make a call either way. But Doué is young, an international, and attack minded. He ticks a lot of boxes. We hope there is some truth to this.
We will see how it develops.
The bottom line
Trippier is gone. Krafth is gone. Livramento’s future is uncertain.
Newcastle need a right back. Doué fits the profile: young, attack minded, and with seven assists last season.
Everton may drop out. That leaves the door open for the Magpies.
The World Cup will be a shop window. Newcastle will be watching. And if Doué impresses, don’t be surprised if a £26m bid follows.
A 5/10 rumour for now. But one to keep an eye on.
