Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen after an improved bid was emphatically rejected, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim that their second bid has still not matched the Eredivisie club’s £20million valuation of the 27-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 19 appearances this season.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle have upped their initial £14million bid after managing director Lee Charnley engaged in further discussions with Feyenoord, but is it still not high enough.
It is said that Feyenoord are open to a sale at the right price, but are also aware that good displays at the World Cup for Denmark will only see Jorgensen’s price increase, and are therefore also happy to keep the striker.
Good move for Newcastle United?
You would be forgiven for not having heard of Jorgensen, who has been solid in the Netherlands, but has not exactly set the world alight.
The colossal striker, who stands at 6ft 3in, has a decent record of about a goal every two games for Feyenoord, but whether he will be able to translate that in the Premier League is another matter.
£20million does seem like a lot, but with Feyenoord in no rush to sell, Newcastle look like they are in a tough situation.
On a positive note, Jorgensen’s hold-up play is outstanding, and his first touch is brilliant, which are good signs for Newcastle if he does join.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle seem relatively set on Jorgensen as their main striker target.
However, will the Magpies be prepared to splash out £20million?
It looks like they are going to have to, and with just five days of the transfer window remaining, they will have to decide quickly or they could be left without an all-important new striker.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10