Some hopeful news on the striker front in the last few moments, with it being confirmed by North East reporters Lee Ryder (Chronicle) and George Caulkin (Times) that a move for Leicester’s Islam Slimani is the ‘big deal’ Newcastle officials are aiming to push through for Rafa Benitez today.
The 29-year-old Algerian striker has been talked about throughout the window, however it has recently been mentioned that Leicester were unwilling to do a loan deal with a fellow Premier League side, preferring instead to sell for a fee in the region of £20m.
It has emerged this morning that Slimani is now the ‘big deal’ NUFC are trying to pull off however, with the striker understood to be keen on the idea of remaining in the Premier League despite talks with Monaco.
Here’s all the latest updates on the deals from North-East reporters on the case today:
The big deal #nufc are trying to get done today is Islam Slimani. Would fit the bill for Rafa Benitez.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 31, 2018
(See last r/t from @JacobSteinberg) Slimani is the PL loan they’re trying to complete. Someone they’ve looked at repeatedly this window & been knocked back for on price.
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) January 31, 2018
West Ham are trying to get Islam Slimani on loan, but at the moment they fear Leicester are more inclined to send the striker to Newcastle #whufc
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) January 31, 2018
NUFC will have to come up with a loan package which appeals to Leicester for them to soften stance.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) January 31, 2018
The above makes me wonder if Leicester’s stance has changed on a potential loan? It’s been mentioned over the last week that they would only sell to a fellow Premier League side, however it seems a ‘loan package that appeals to Leicester’ could soften their stance and see a deal go through?
Mark Douglas still sees this one as a ‘tough deal to do’, so with that in mind and West Ham’s looming interest it’s wise not to get carried away (not that I expect any of you will given how the last few weeks have gone), but it is positive to see a player of his calibre is our top target on a day where a big signing could give us all a much needed boost.
Islam Slimani has been on #nufc radar since the Graham Carr days. Rafa wanted him in the summer, so no surprise he's the top option today. Tough deal to do.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) January 31, 2018
Newcastle???? £20million????? Believe that when I see it..
You will likely find they are offering a loan with no fee, and paying 30% of his wages. That way if they get him what a nice CHEAP Ashley special deal, if not you can’t say they didn’t try…
But here is hoping eh!
BillytheFish(Quote)
So we wait for someone to come in and nick him as well.
Spamspam(Quote)
Believe it when he’s standing holding the shirt up at the ground, probably another pr stunt to keep the protests down tonight
Geordie rob(Quote)
Think it’ll be a lucrative loan deal myself..
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Leicester have already knocked us back previously. They don’t want to sell/loan to a premier league club. This is a non starter and a dead deal before the day even began.
John(Quote)
So it’s 10.30 a.m on the final transfer day we need players in, so what do we do send three players out! typical of this club under Ashley we should be on the comedy channel and not sky sports as were a total joke of a club!
Dale Richardson(Quote)