According to L’Equipe, Newcastle are keen to sign French midfielder Clement Grenier this summer – with the former French international believed to be available for just over £2.5m.
The French outlet claim that several clubs have registered their interest in the 27-year-old (and it’s no surprise at this price!), with Rennes, Everton, Fulham, AC Milan, Fenerbahce AND Newcastle said to be keen.
The midfielder – who may be seen as an inexpensive and shrewd Merino replacement – has had his fair share of injury problems over the years, however has just recently enjoyed a stunning end to the Ligue 1 season, scoring 5 and assisting 4 in their final 10 games.
Ideally Grenier would like to move to a team playing in Europe but is also aware that playing for a team like Fulham or Newcastle can bring its own benefits. Grenier would like to get things sorted by mid-July.
— Rich Allen ?? (@rich_allen85) June 25, 2018
As many may remember, this isn’t the first time we’ve been linked with the Frenchman (who’s been capped five times by France), with us having made bids to sign him from Lyon back in 2014 in a bid to replace Yohan Cabaye.
A cut-price deal at just €3m (£2.65m) is no doubt an attractive one for Mike Ashley, however with that comes an inevitable bucket load of competition from other clubs eyeing a bargain – and potentially high wage demands and agent fees.
Potentially one to watch as we look to replace Merino, although I rarely back NUFC to ‘win the race’ for a player when so many sides are competing for a signature!