Newcastle United are monitoring Rennes central defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal as they assess defensive options for 2027. The 20-year-old Morocco international is also being watched by other clubs; Fulham had a €30 million bid for him rejected earlier in the summer. It is understood that Everton, Brentford, and Hull are also among several English clubs watching the defender, while there is also interest from clubs in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Ait Boudlal joined Rennes in July 2024 and his contract runs until 2028. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €20.00m.