Newcastle United target Seko Fofana would ‘fit really nicely’ with Bruno Guimaraes in the club’s midfield, according to journalist Robin Bairner.

The 27-year-old was linked with a move to the Premier League over the summer, with St. James’ Park touted as a potential destination following a string of impressive performances for RC Lens.

What is the latest news involving Fofana?

French outlet L’Equipe reported back in June that both Newcastle and Arsenal were eager to prise Fofana away from the Stade Bollaert-Delelis with Lens demanding £34 million for their prized asset.

However, a formal approach for the Ivory Coast international never arrived, and he ended up signing a two-year extension on his £26,000-per-week contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Fofana’s new deal is still due to expire in the summer of 2025, though, meaning an imminent departure is not completely off the table.

Only time will tell if Newcastle or Arsenal decide to revive their interest in the central midfielder, but his current performance levels may well be catching the eye of several potential suitors.

What has Bairner said about Fofana?

Bairner has informed GiveMeSport that he believes Fofana could form a formidable partnership with Guimaraes at Newcastle should he make the switch from Lens.

He said: “I think he'd fit really nicely with Bruno Guimaraes. Fofana’s been a sort of revelation in Ligue 1 since he moved from Udinese a couple of years ago, he's been undoubtedly one of the best central midfielders.

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“Bruno was a strong performer in Ligue 1, and Seko Fofana is kind of similar. Very strong attacking player, he does most of his best work going forwards, is known for his powerful runs, his excellent shooting, and he's got a very good scoring record.

“His influence at Lens has been tremendous, it’s very difficult to overstate how good he’s been there.”

Would Fofana be a good signing?

Fofana has played a pivotal role in Lens recording consecutive seventh-placed finishes in Ligue 1 over the last couple of campaigns and has carried that form into 2022/23.

Overall, the 6 foot 1 ace has registered 14 goals and eight assists in 84 appearances across all competitions for his current employers while putting up some impressive underlying numbers.

As per FBref, Fofana has ranked in the 94th percentile for total shots, 88th for completed dribbles and progressive passes received and 84th for touches in the attacking penalty area amongst his positional peers over the last year.

Fofana may well be the ideal candidate to play alongside Guimaraes, and Newcastle could make another astute acquisition by snapping him up.