Newcastle youngster Yasin Ben El-Mhanni tracked by Napoli, Leicester and Brighton as contract talks stall
Trio of clubs interested in signing winger El-Mhanni who is expected to be shipped out on loan by Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez
NEWCASTLE winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni is being chased by Napoli, Leicester and Brighton.
The trio of clubs have registered their interest in signing the skillful wide-man if he fails to agree a new deal in the north-east.
Newcastle plucked the 21-year-old from non-league football last year after he became an internet sensation and body double for Neymar.
But talks over a new deal at St James' Park have stalled and the club have indicated they want him to spend a season on loan elsewhere to help his development.
That has caught the attention of clubs in England and across Europe, with Napoli making their interest known if he was to leave Tyneside.
Premier League duo Leicester and Brighton have also been tracking the player, who was born in London to Moroccan parents.
El-Mhanni has one year left on his current Newcastle deal with an option for a further year, but as yet he has not taken that up.
He realises he needs to be playing regular first team football to help him progress, but chances under Benitez appear limited in the Premier League.
El-Mhanni has made two appearances in the first team at Newcastle, both in the FA Cup last season, and Benitez believes he would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.
But the club could be willing to do business on a permanent deal if the right offer came in.
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