Newcastle United agree £43m deal for Liverpool target Bazoumana Toure

Liverpool’s shortlist of attacking targets could be reduced further this summer, with Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure closing in on a £42.8million move to Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old Ivory Coast international has been linked with Liverpool for several months, with Sky Germany reporting the Reds’ interest in April. However, a move to Anfield now appears unlikely after Newcastle reached an agreement with Hoffenheim.

According to reports from David Ornstein of The Athletic and The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have agreed a package worth €50m (£42.8m) for Toure. Bazoumana Toure is expected to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours before signing a long-term contract.

Edwards cautioned that “until it’s done, it’s not done,” reflecting Newcastle’s recent struggles to complete several high-profile transfer deals.

Liverpool and Newcastle have competed for a number of targets in recent windows. Hugo Ekitike rejected a move to St James’ Park last summer before eventually joining Liverpool, while the Reds also beat Newcastle to the signing of Víctor Munoz.

Although Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Toure could have raised concerns on Tyneside, a late hijack now appears unlikely.

With Munoz already signed and the club expected to pursue other options to replace Mohamed Salah, the Reds are focusing their attention elsewhere.

The two clubs have also been linked with FC Köln youngster Said El Mala and Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, while Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, formerly of Newcastle, has also attracted Liverpool’s interest.

Liverpool have already suffered one setback in their search for a new winger after priority target Yan Diomande indicated a preference for a move to Paris Saint-Germain despite the Reds submitting a €100m (£86.6m) bid to RB Leipzig.

As a result, Liverpool are assessing alternative targets, with Bradley Barcola among the players admired as the summer transfer market continues to evolve.