How Newcastle United now feel about signing Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss after Jacob Ramsey deal | OneFootball

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City

Newcastle United will not be pursuing a move for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss if they can get a deal for Jacob Ramsey over the line.

According to journalist Craig Hope, the Magpies are only interested in signing one of these players before the summer market closes on 1 September.

El Khannouss’ future at the King Power Stadium has become the subject of intense speculation throughout the window.

The 21-year-old featured 32 times in the Premier League last season, and contributed two assists in their opening fixture against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

Newcastle United's stance on Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss

Newcastle are reportedly set to sign Ramsey from Aston Villa this summer in a deal worth £40 million, with the midfielder on his way to the North East for a medical.

It has been claimed that the Premier League side will not pursue a deal for El Khannouss after securing the signature of the Villa star.

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle are among the clubs keeping tabs on the talented Morroccan playmaker.

However, they are now set to drop out of the race for the playmaker, having sealed the deal for Ramsey.

El Khannouus reportedly has a release clause in his contract worth in excess of £30 million, which is set to expire this week.

The Morocco international has a deal with Leicester until the summer of 2028, having joined last year from Belgian side Genk.

Leicester City's promotion ambitions

Leicester will be keen to gain promotion straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt under Martí Cifuentes.

The Foxes have already sold the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Mads Hermansen, so losing El Khannouss on top of that would be a blow.

The club won their first game of the new campaign, a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, but they required two second half goals to overcome a 1-0 deficit.

Next up for Leicester is a trip to face Preston North End on 16 August.

Leicester’s financial position may lead to Bilal El Khannouss sale

It was exclusively revealed by Football League World that the sales of Hermansen and Ndidi won’t be reinvested back into the squad due to profit and sustainability concerns.

So the sale of El Khannouss may still be needed even with Newcastle out of the race.

It has been reported that Crystal Palace are among the sides looking at the attacking midfielder, with speculation surrounding Ebere Eze, so that could be a pathway towards an exit from the King Power Stadium.