Rafa Benitez ‘holds talks’ with midfielder as NUFC attempt to pull off incredible bargain – Report

After claims last night that we had registered our interest in signing Clement Grenier, GFFN claim that the French midfielder has now held talks with Rafa Benitez over a potential cut-price move to St James’ Park.

The 27-year-old is a player we’ve tried to sign in the past (bids were made back in 2014 in our attempt to replace Yohan Cabaye), and L’Equipe reported just yesterday that we were one of several clubs interested in signing him at a bargain price of just €3m (£2.65m).

Get French Football News (GFFN) have now picked up on the story and claim that the player has held talks with several managers from the interested parties – and one of those is Rafa Benitez.

It looks like we may face stiff competition from the likes of AC Milan, Fenerbahce, Fulham and Everton, but our chances of signing him may be boosted slightly after claims here that he’s interested in a move to the Premier League.

Here’s a snippet from GFFN’s latest update on the French international midfielder’s next move:

“French central midfielder Clément Grenier is in talks with an enormous amount of clubs, with a gentleman’s agreement in place between him and his club EA Guingamp that allows him to leave for €3m this summer.

“Everton, Newcastle, Fulham, AC Milan, Rennes and Fenerbahce are all in active discussions to sign the player, according to L’Équipe.

“Of these sides, Grenier has spoken to the managers all of these sides apart from Philip Cocu of Fenerbahce, but has spoken with Sporting Director Comolli instead.

“Grenier would like to move to a side that is offering European football, but he does have an interest in an adventure in the Premier League.

“The Frenchman has decided that he would like to resolve his future by the middle of July.”

He’s had his injury problems over the years so this would be a risk, but this is a player with bundles of talent, a classy operator and someone who could be a more than capable Mikel Merino replacement.

I’m not holding my breath given the amount of clubs interested and the snails pace we tend to do business at, but for just £2.65m, maybe this is the sort of bargain deal Mike Ashley would actually sanction.

Time will tell – although it’s about time we started making some signings.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

9 thoughts on “Rafa Benitez ‘holds talks’ with midfielder as NUFC attempt to pull off incredible bargain – Report

  1. Olly, you say its time NUFC made some signings – What an understatement!
    The pattern of the past is repeating – no further financial support from Ashley, only the reliance on Rafa’s skill and his gentleman’s agreement to see out his contract (though if ever there was a case for constructive dismissal, Rafa would surely have it).
    The only time Ashley supported Rafa was when he was staring at a prolonged spell in the Championship and the reality of the effect of that hit home (both (1) the reduced TV coverage making his advertising monopoly at NUFC virtually useless and (2) the on-going loss of the TV broadcasting money). But did he really splash that much cash – remember, NUFC raised some sizeable profits with the sale of 4-5 players at that time, so in that sense, Ashley got his outlay back, so didn’t really provide as much support to Rafa as one might imagine.

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  2. As one of the few that can remember Newcastle winning things,and knowing happy times, can I just say how sad I feel for the young supporters of this once great club, We are again this summer being hungout to dry by M Ashley, he has no intention of agreeing anything with RAFA, all he wants is Rafa to signe a long contract, knowing that if that happens it keeps his value of the club,hence the stance of no new players until Rafa signed, and the same goes for season tickets no players until the fans buy the tickets,Well big news for you Mr Ashley it works both ways if we stop coming and Rafa doesn’t signe then this time or even in january you could find you dont have a club worth a jot, look at Aston villa and think carefully because if you don’t do the right thing and quick you will be the next Sunderland or villa, It’s on the cArds your choice you can only push people so far.
    YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Thank you a very dissatisfied 72 year old, haway the TOON. ps RAFA, no true geordi will blame you if or when you walk you sir are are true gent and honest man unlike your owner, I remain yours in sport. ❓

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  3. At GBP 2.65, he really is a bargain Ollie! 🙂 That should be affordable, even for the Fat man… It’s even cheaper than his tat! 😆 😆

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  4. Dubai Toon:
    At GBP 2.65, he really is a bargain Ollie! ? That should be affordable, even for the Fat man… It’s even cheaper than his tat!??

    Oh dear! Looks like I missed the all important ‘M’…?

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  5. Typical cut price bullshit. I hope rafa leaves. Not giving a **** about this club anymore whilst fat man is there

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  6. Transfers are quite slow for most clubs during tournament season.
    I’m not too worried just yet because many premier league sides haven’t made any new additions so far.
    But hopefully we see some new faces join Newcastle within the coming weeks???

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  7. Under Cashley we’ve never moved quickly in any market. Players are at the world cup so it’s gonna be a late window for 90% of clubs to do business. Both in and out.
    I can’t turn my back on my club even if I( don’t like ) Ashley ( being polite here ) we need reinforcements regardless of cashleys pocket depth. So if he doesn’t put in, there’ll be sweet FA to pull out. He’s a business man and needs to realise this business will be back in the championship again if he doesn’t back the best manager he’ll ever have.

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