Matias Fernandez-Pardo To Newcastle Knock-on Effect Means Star Won’t Join Magpies | OneFootball

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Newcastle United transfer target Bilal El Khannouss will stay put at Stuttgart barring any last-minute twists, with the Magpies signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo meaning a St James’ Park switch is off the table.

The Morocco international has been on the books of the German outfit for the last year, joining them initially on loan from Leicester City.

He managed to make an impression on manager Sebastian Hoeness after ending the season with 18 goal contributions in 44 appearances.

Stuttgart wasted no time in activating the obligation to buy clause in El Khannouss’ contract and he has been a permanent player for the Bundesliga outfit since.

However, El Khannouss has already started to draw the attention of other clubs, with most of the interest coming from the Premier League.

In the closing days of the transfer window there has been interest from Newcastle, who are trying to get a raft of deals done before the window closes.

Newcastle have made enquiries and it was suggested they are aware of what would be required if they wanted to push ahead to sign El Khannouss.

However, according to French journalist Hanif Ben Berkane, a deal is not expected to go through and El Khannouss will stay at Stuttgart.

El Khannouss was not desperate to leave Stuttgart and is happy to stay put at the Bundesliga club for now.

It is suggested that Newcastle managing to do a deal for Fernandez-Pardo from Lille has effectively closed the door on a St James’ Park move for El Khannouss.

Whether Newcastle would be able to sign Fernandez-Pardo was touch and go, with Lille firmly against losing him.

A package worth up to €65m though proved too good for the French side to turn down, while a sell-on clause has also been included.

That development means that El Khannouss will not be joining the Magpies and there appear to be no other acceptable offers and destinations around for the Moroccan.