According to an exclusive from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are ‘leading the race’ to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta – the highly-rated Lyon striker who scored 19 goals in Ligue 2 last season.
The story states that a number of English clubs have been tracking the 20-year-old forward, however they claim he is now ‘keen’ on making the move to Newcastle after interest from Rafa Benitez
He’s played just twice for Lyon’s senior team, but his form when loaned out to the French second tier has been outstanding for a player of his age – with the 6ft 3′ striker netting 19 times for Le Havre last season.
Here’s a snippet from TEAMtalk on the France U-19 international’s potential move to Tyneside:
“Newcastle are leading the race to land highly-rated Lyon forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, we can exclusively reveal.
“Mateta is understood to be keen on making the move, and Newcastle are keen, but as are a number of rivals – with the likes of West Ham, Leicester and Everton also expressing an interest.”
Sounds like a real talent, although you’d think he’s someone Lyon are reluctant to lose.
Here’s him in action:
