NUFC agree to pay £27m release clause for Porto star - Player deciding between two clubs - Report
According to Foot Mercato, Porto striker Moussa Marega is now deciding between a move to Newcastle or West Ham after both clubs indicated they'd be willing to meet his £27m release clause.
The powerful striker has been prolific in Portugal over the past few seasons, bagging 33 goals in 67 games for Porto, however there's one key reason I have very little faith in these latest claims - He's 28.
Considering Ashley refused to pay £16.5m (albeit with agent fees and big wage demands) for a 29-year-old Salomon Rondon, I can't see him agreeing to this.
Yes we paid big for Joelinton, but I am quite convinced Mike Ashley only did so as he believed the Brazilian came with huge sell on potential - something Marega wouldn't bring given he'll be 29 this time next summer.
Nevertheless, this is a bold rumour that's emerged out of the blue over the past few moments, making it hard to ignore:
He'd be a superb signing, being a player who has the pace and power to become a huge hit in England, however I fear that A) we would not pay this much for a 28-year-old and B) he'd chose West Ham even if we were interested.
A pessimistic outlook, but it's hard not to be when it comes to these sort of deals for as long as Mike Ashley owns Newcastle United!
