Newcastle United are continuing discussions over a summer move for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.
Despite putting their scouting and recruitment staff on furlough and discussions ongoing over a potential £350m takeover, club executives are pressing ahead in their attempt to sign Soumare after failing to prise him away in January.
The 21-year old has been watched by all the top clubs in Europe including Liverpool, Manchester City, United and Chelsea. Newcastle had an offer of £35million plus add ons accepted by Lille in January while Florian Lejeune and Allan Saint Maximin tried hard to persuade Soumare to join.