Newcastle United are among the leaders in a Premier League battle for OGC Nice striker Alassane Plea as they hold talks over a swoop after having a bid rejected, according to Sky Sports’ Pete Graves.
The broadcast journalist claims on his personal Twitter account that the Magpies are among the front runners for the 25-year-old forward as negotiations take place between the two clubs, with West Ham also keen on snapping him up as sides look to bolster their front lines.
#nufc serious players in the race for Nice striker Alassane Plea. One bid rejected but talks ongoing. Others including #WHUFC chasing him. Latest on @SkySportsNews
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) July 3, 2018
Plea, who hit 21 goals across all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit last season, would be joining an attack of Dwight Gayle, Joselu and Aleksandar Mitrovic at St James’ Park, who managed just 12 goals among them for the Magpies.
Good move for Newcastle?
There is always a risk at signing players from overseas, including France, and that applies to Plea.
Newcastle fans need not stretch their minds back too far to remember the calamity that was the capture of Emmanuel Riviere, who bettered the record of more established stars Falcao and James Rodriguez during his final season at Monaco.
Still, Plea seems to know where the goal is and after seeing no one other than Ayoze Perez hit double digits for the season, new recruits up front are an absolute must.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10
Likely to happen?
In a nutshell, no.
Newcastle are known as thrifty spenders and if West Ham are in the battle for Plea’s capture, they will blow the Magpies out of the water.
Mike Ashley will be looking for bargain deals from Rafael Benitez, and France has proven to be a good source for just that, but Plea is not in the bracket that Newcastle are willing to spend.
While talks might be ongoing, they will likely not last for long.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10