Newcastle United agree £9.5m sale of Florian Thauvin to Marseille

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make a £5m loss on France international forward Florian Thauvin this summer, according to reports, via the Chronicle Live.

The Championship leaders, who sit one point clear of runners-up Brighton and Hove Albion in the standings, despite Saturday’s goalless draw against Birmingham City, are set to offload the winger to loanee side Marseille for £9.5m at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

The 24-year-old, who has been called up to the France senior squad for the first time in his career this month, has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 35 appearances in all competitions whilst on loan at the Ligue 1 outfit so far this season.

Thauvin, who joined The Magpies back in August 2015 from the same club for a reported £14.5m, scored just one goal during his 16 outings in a black and white shirt.

The report suggests the Championship leaders will record a £5m loss on the forward, who despite flopping at St James’ Park, is now starring in the French top-flight and targeting a spot in his country’s squad for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, should they qualify.