Newcastle United made a late attempt to sign Chelsea new boy Malo Gusto, according to reports. Bobby Vincent of our sister title Football London claims the Magpies made an approach at the 11th hour to sign the Lyon defender.
Nonetheless, it was Graham Potter's Chelsea that won the race to sign the young defender. Gusto has signed a six-and-half year contract at Stamford Bridge, but will spend the rest of the season on loan with the Ligue 1 side.
The Blues have spent €35million on the teenage right-back, who is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in European football. His arrival sees Todd Boehly's side continue their spending spree.
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Gusto has made 15 appearances this season for the French club, who are ninth in Ligue 1. "The defender will now continue his impressive progress on loan [at Lyon] before joining up with the Blues in the summer ahead of the new campaign," Chelsea said in a statement.
The Magpies are looking to bolster their back line to add some depth to their squad and competition for Kieran Trippier. Eddie Howe's side are understood to have agreed a £3million deal with West Ham, according to Sky Sports.
The Hammers rebuffed Newcastle's approach for the young defender in the summer but have now given the transfer the green light.
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