Begun Talks – Newcastle And Tottenham Face Champions League Club Competition For Bundesliga Player | OneFootball

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Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United now face competition for Bilal El Khannouss from a club that can offer Champions League football in the shape of Galatasaray, who have opened talks about a deal.

The Morocco international only completed his World Cup journey last month, playing a pivotal role in his nation’s run to the quarter-finals by featuring in all six matches.

That impressive form was simply a continuation of his standout loan spell at Stuttgart, where he helped Die Schwaben secure a top-four Bundesliga finish and a return to the Champions League.

Since arriving from Leicester City, initially on loan last September, the attacking midfielder has made 42 appearances, registering 16 goal involvements, including nine goals.

Those eye-catching performances have now brought Premier League interest to Stuttgart’s doorstep, with Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all keeping tabs on the talented midfielder.

According to Turkish journalist Ertan Suzgun (via Transfer Merkezi), admirers Galatasaray have taken a step further, opening official talks with Stuttgart over a potential move for El Khannouss.

Galatasaray can offer the lure of Champions League nights, something the 22-year-old would have to sacrifice if he opts for a switch to either of the interested English clubs.

However, with four years remaining on his contract and having only made his move permanent in May, Stuttgart are under no pressure to sell and are unlikely to let the Morocco international leave without a significant fee.

El Khannouss already boasts Premier League experience, having spent the 2024/25 campaign with Leicester City after making the move to the King Power Stadium from Genk in the summer of 2024.

During his only season in England’s top flight, he registered two goals and three assists in 32 appearances as the Foxes suffered relegation, later admitting that the intensity of English football exceeded that of the Bundesliga.

It remains to be seen whether El Khannouss will have the chance to prove himself in the Premier League once again or whether Galatasaray can win the race for his signature, with the midfielder having only recently established himself as a key figure at Stuttgart.