Newcastle agree £34m deal for Monaco's Bamba

Aladji Bamba has played for France Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s [Getty Images] Newcastle United have agreed a deal worth up to £34m for Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba. The 20-year-old Frenchman, who played his first senior game in August 2025, is due on Tyneside on Thursday to have a medical and sign a long-term contract. Newcastle sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham last month and have been in the market for a second young midfielder after signing 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax. Another target, Freiburg's Johan Manzambi, opted to join Aston Villa last week. Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, Bamba ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful take-ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9). Where are Newcastle in bid to be the best by 2030? How have missed targets affected Newcastle's summer rebuild?