Newcastle have seen a second bid of £15million rejected for Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claim in their live transfer blog (Friday, 09:48) that the Magpies have been knocked back again after improving their initial bid.
Sky report that Feyenoord are holding out for £20million for the 27-year-old Denmark international, who has scored nine goals in 19 appearances this season.
It is said that Rafa Benitez is desperate to sign a new striker before the close of the January transfer window in five days time.
As reported by the Chronicle, Newcastle’s initial bid stood at £14million, and Feyenoord are open to a sale at the right price, but are also willing to hold on to Jorgensen with the World Cup approaching and a bigger fee possible if he plays well in Russia.
Good move for Newcastle United?
It is clear that the Magpies need to add a striker before the upcoming deadline, with Dwight Gayle and Joselu misfiring, and Aleksandar Mitrovic massively out of favour.
Jorgensen has a good record for Feyenoord, with 34 goals in 61 appearances, but there will be questions over him translating that to the Premier League.
The £20million asking price looks slightly inflated, but that is the case with most transfers in today’s market, especially in January.
The Danish big man, who stands at 6ft 3in, does have brilliant first touch, and his hold-up play will be a good asset for Newcastle if he signs.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like Newcastle are going to have to pay up if they want to sign Jorgensen.
The Dutch side do not look to be budging on their £20million valuation, and in all honesty, Newcastle’s improvement on their bid by just £1million looks a bit silly.
Mike Ashley has obviously sanctioned spending in the last few days of the window, but it is not clear if Benitez has the funds to offer £20million.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10