According to reports from Shields Gazette this afternoon, Newcastle United are monitoring highly-rated Marseille forward Michy Batshuayi; a target of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The 21 year-old has continually demonstrated impressive form since joining the Stade Velodrome ranks last summer, bagging 14 goals in 34 league appearances – including a return of five goals and two assists in eight Ligue 1 outings this season.
That proficiency saw the 5 foot 11 striker earn an inaugural senior cap for Belgium in March and adds the reputation built from his potent spell at Standard Liege, where he netted 40 goals in 95 league outings before moving to the French top flight.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that north London rivals Arsenal and Spurs could both launch bids for Batshuayi in January after failing to adequately bolster their forward ranks during the summer.
But according to Shields Gazette, they now face competition from the Magpies, who have scored just five Premier League goals this term – the lowest amount throughout the division. The regional newspaper claims whether they sign Batshuayi or otherwise, Newcastle will look to strengthen their attacking options in January.
That suggests we could see a three-horse race for the one-cap international’s signature when the transfer window reopens. Having allegedly rejected a £22million bid during the summer, however, Marseille will expect a huge return on their original investment if they’re to sell the prodigious centre-forward in January.