Newcastle 'Have €40m Bid Rejected By Monaco For Central Defender', West Ham Are Also Interested

Newcastle have had a €40m (£33.4m) bid rejected by Monaco for defender Benoit Badiashile, according to reports in France.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is desperate to sign defensive reinforcements before the January window closes, with his side now second bottom of the Premier League – two points adrift of safety.

The Magpies had been in talks to sign Lille defender Sven Botman but negotiations have now stalled, with his current club reluctant to sell midway through the season.

The 20-year-old is viewed as one of French football’s brightest young defensive prospects and has made 20 appearances this season for Monaco, who are currently fifth in Ligue 1.

Monaco have reportedly turned down an initial bid from Newcastle but talks are continuing over a potential January move.

However, negotiations are complicated by a thigh injury sustained by Badiashile against Nantes on January 9, which is expected to keep him out for around a month.

Monaco are willing to sell Badiashile this month if a suitable offer is made, with manager Philippe Clement already identifying Club Brugge’s Stanley Nsoki as a potential replacement.

Badiashile is under contract at Monaco until 2024 and is said to be relaxed over his future.

Newcastle have already made two high-profile signings this month, with Kieran Trippier arriving in a £12m move from Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood joining from relegation rivals Burnley in a £25m deal.

Newcastle return to action against another of Wood's former teams, Leeds United, at Elland Road on Saturday.