Newcastle United are continuing to monitor Leandro Trossard as they weigh up a move for the in-form Brighton star. The Belgian international has enjoyed a fine start to the season with the Seagulls, and has subsequently been linked with a move away.
Trossard's contract at the Amex is due to expire this summer, although the club hold an option to extend this deal by a further year. Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Chelsea have all been linked, while Newcastle have been credited with an interest.
Trossard has already netted seven times in the Premier League so far this season, but Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi insists there is still more to come from the 27-year-old. Speaking earlier this month, Graham Potter's successor outlined his 'incredible confidence' in the forward and his belief that he has still not reached his peak.
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De Zerbi told the club's website: "He [Trossard] is playing at 80% of his potential. He knows the way to score, he has quality when going one to one as a winger, but he can improve. He can improve a lot. I want to see him improve a lot for me and my team but firstly for him.
"When he finishes his career, if he gives 100% he will be happier. When I speak about Leandro Trossard playing at 80%, it is because I have incredible confidence in him because he scored five goals in six games. I can be happy for him and me. I think he has more quality. For the moment he didn't show this quality 100%."
This assessment will likely be music to Eddie Howe's ears, should Newcastle firm up their interest in Trossard. The Magpies boss has already proven his ability to coax the best out of players, with Joelintion's reinvention as a midfielder and Miguel Almiron's recent scintillating form.
Howe recently outlined his passion with working with his players on the training ground. The Newcastle head coach was asked about the prospect of succeeding Gareth Southgate with England, and explained why his 'love' for coaching on a day-to-day basis means he does not currently see himself managing an international team in the future.
Howe said: “I never say never, never say no, it won’t be something I am interested in. But in the short term it is not on my radar at all. It is all Newcastle and trying to make this team better.
"I have always said I love the day to day coaching, love being with the players on the training ground, international football you get that taken away for long periods. At this moment in my life that is not something I want to do.”
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Roberto Martinez has already told Newcastle United what Leandro Trossard would offer
Leandro Trossard has already told Newcastle United he would be open to a transfer
