Former Newcastle United transfer target Bilal El Khannouss is set to be made available to leave VfB Stuttgart in January, according to reports from Germany.

Sky Sport Germany claim Stuttgart are open to offers in the region of €40million (~£33.5million), including add-ons. Galatasaray have been linked with the attacking midfielder who was previously on Newcastle’s radar prior to his Bundesliga move.

Newcastle held a ‘strong interest’ in El Khannouss during his time at Leicester City when it emerged he had a release clause worth as little as £24.5million that could only be triggered in the summer of 2025. Leeds United also reportedly made an enquiry about the young Morocco international.

The Belgian-born Morocco international made 32 Premier League appearances for Leicester before joining Stuttgart on an initial loan deal last summer. That deal was made permanent in the most recent transfer window in a deal worth up to £28million with add-ons and a loan fee.

The 22-year-old contributed nine goals and nine assists in 41 appearances across all competitions during his loan spell at Stuttgart last season. This season, he has contributed two goals in 15 appearances across all competitions.

But Stuttgart are reportedly interested in turning a quick profit on El Khannouss. Newcastle hold a historic interest in the player, who occupies an area of the pitch the club are particularly looking to strengthen under Matthias Jaissle, but the head coach is currently focused on working with the tools he has at his disposal.

Looking ahead to January, Jaissle said: “First of all, it’s on us to do the best out of the current squad. We have a lot of potential players, young signings we did in the summer.

“But as a manager, you always aim for adjustments in each transfer window. This will be my first one in January, and of course, you’re always aiming for adjustments.”

Newcastle are no strangers to reigniting interest in past targets, having successfully done so with Malick Thiaw last summer. The club also tried and failed to sign Hugo Ekitike on several occasions prior to his move to Liverpool.

The last time Newcastle did business with Stuttgart saw them agree a club-record £64million transfer for Nick Woltemade, who is currently out on loan at Juventus after an unconvincing first season on Tyneside.