On Wednesday, The Mail revealed that Newcastle United were set to launch an ambitious bid for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.
Just a few days on, Manuel Veth – a Bundesliga reporter for Forbes – has revealed that the highly-rated Malian has a €40m release clause (£33m) in his contract that’s set to come into effect this summer.
However, he also adds that we might have some joy if we submit an offer ‘anything near’ this fee over the coming weeks, believing the German side could be tempted to cash in if a January bid in the region of €40m (£33m) arrived.
These are interesting claims on the 23-year-old and suggest any move could yet be realistic one for Haidara; a player many believe could transform our midfield and be the sort of marquee signing that our one-paced engine room is crying out for.
Haidara is currently away at AFCON with Mali, which may mean our interest is postponed until the summer, however it would be great to see us test the waters with a formal bid later this month.
One to watch; especially with that tempting release clause that’s set to become active at the end of the season!
Elsewhere, Graeme Bailey at 90min revealed late last night that PSG are now attempting to hijack Hugo Ekitike’s potential move to St James’ Park.
The former Sky Sports reporter claims that the Ligue 1 giants believe he could be a long-term replacement for Kylian Mbappe and have registered their interest just as we were holding ‘advanced talks’ with the highly-rated Frenchman.
Ekitike is believed to be keen on a move to Tyneside, being tempted by the ambitious new project at Newcastle, and the club are ‘working hard’ to get the deal done, however it’s said PSG’s interest has ‘complicated’ our bid to sign the Reims striker.
