Newcastle United may look to raid Brighton & Hove Albion once again and lure Leandro Trossard to St James' Park during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
Having handed former Seagulls director of football Dan Ashworth a similar behind-the-scenes role and signed Dan Burn in a £13million deal earlier this year, the Magpies have set their sights on returning to the Amex Stadium for more negotiations.
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What's the latest news involving Trossard?
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will look into the possibility of being able to tempt Brighton into selling Trossard during the winter transfer window.
The report suggests the 21-cap Belgium international is valued at £30million and, amid additional interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, the Tyneside giants are preparing to lodge an initial enquiry before the end of the year.
Trossard will enter the final six months of his £60,000-per-week deal at the turn of the year, leaving Brighton in a vulnerable position, but the south coast club may take advantage of a one-year extension option.
Atletico Madrid, who could tie the winger down to a pre-contract agreement in January, are reportedly planning on making a move.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he is eager for Trossard to commit his long-term future to the Seagulls by penning fresh terms.
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What has Keith Downie said about Trossard?
Downie believes Newcastle could test Brighton's resolve by heading to the negotiating table and attempting to strike a deal for Trossard.
However, the Sky Sports reporter warns that already luring Ashworth and Burn to St James' Park since the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund led a £305million takeover could make it difficult to reach an agreement.
Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "That's one I could potentially see happen in January.
"The issue they'll have there is the fact that Brighton have done so much business with them already, in the shape of Dan Ashworth and Dan Burn.
"They've already plundered Brighton for one big player and a director of football."
How has Trossard performed so far this season?
Newcastle may be in the Premier League's top three and sitting just five points adrift of reigning champions Manchester City, but it is clear why Trossard is wanted by Howe.
The 27-year-old has found the back of the net seven times and registered a further three assists in 13 appearances this term.
Having registered an average match rating of 7.11 in top flight outings, Trossard has been Brighton's best performer in the competition.
He gets his name on the scoresheet every 156 minutes in the Premier League, underlining his threat in the opposition's penalty area.
With that kind of form, there is no doubt that Trossard is in contention to be named in the Belgium squad for the upcoming World Cup.
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