Two pieces of potentially significant news emerged from France late last night which could directly – and indirectly – impact our search for new attackers.
First off, L’Equipe report that Leicester City have received a £75m bid from Chelsea for star centre-back Wesley Fofana, which they ‘immediately rejected.’
You may be wondering what on earth this has to do with Newcastle, however it’s believed the Foxes won’t entertain TWO high profile exits over the final month of the transfer window, meaning Chelsea’s pursuit of Fofana may have an adverse impact on our attempts to land James Maddison – especially if the Blues launch an improved offer.
Thus far, we’ve struggled to agree a fee for Maddison, having two bids rejected in recent days, and it seems their determination to keep the 25-year-old would only increase – and the need for money lessen – should Chelsea return with a second bid they can’t refuse for Fofana.
Moving on but staying with L’Equipe, they also report that Newcastle are ‘considering’ launching a formal bid for highly-rated Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The 20-year-old talent was linked with a move to St James’ Park last month, with The Mail claiming that we’d been in contact with the Ligue 1 side about his availability.
Who knows what will come of this one, but it’s interesting to see his name mentioned again – this time by the French media – after reports in Ghana tipped the player to seal a move to the Premier League earlier this week.
If this is true, doesn’t it give us an indication that we are not so much being hit with a “Newcastle tax”, as we are being wildly clueless with out evaluations?
Chelsea are offering 75 million for a centre back and we expect to get Maddison for 50?
Daveys **** mate(Quote)