Like father, like son – Toon have eyes on young talent
NEWCASTLE United will be offered the chance to sign Montpellier’s Thomas Robert this summer – and the winger has already been looked at by the Magpies, writes LEE RYDER.
The exciting right-winger is available on a free transfer this summer and after shining in the UEFA Youth League he has already alerted both Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
However, the big link for the 19-year-old is the fact is father Laurent, who is a youth coach at Montpellier, was a superstar during his four-year stint on Tyneside.
Robert senior would love to see his son follow in his foot-steps at St James’ Park but with the club currently operating on limited resources due to the Covid-19 crisis, and many of the Academy staff furloughed recently, the recruitment policy has slowed down.
The Sunday Sun understands that former Newcastle ace Robert is currently pushing for his son to land a move to the North-east.
A source close to the Robert family said: “They are hoping Newcastle will take a look at this opportunity.
“Laurent was a real favourite at the club but a chance to develop at Newcastle would be the initial aim for Thomas.”
Speaking about his time with the Magpies recently, Robert said: “I found Newcastle the best place for the public and for the fans. The place where I really like it was Newcastle.
“It was very, very cold in Newcastle but I quickly acclimatised because I felt good where I was.
“Even Portsmouth, the climate was different to Newcastle.”