Newcastle United are set to return with an improved bid for Nice striker Alassane Pléa after having a £15million offer rejected, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim the north-east giants are set to go above the club-record £17million they paid Real Madrid for Michael Owen 13 years ago as they plan further talks for the 5ft 11in (source: Transfermarkt) player.
The Times report that Plea, 25, is desperate to work for Rafael Benitez as he looks to make a move to the Premier League after four years at Nice.
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes. Plea is a proven goalscorer at the top of his game who has just had the season of his life. It should be pointed out that Mario Balotelli was more prolific last season (25 goals for Nice compared to 21 from the Frenchman), and that the chaotic Italian was wretched in his last spell in English football at Liverpool. But, while Ligue 1 is a weaker division than the Premier League and Plea is yet to represent his country, he has come on in leaps and bounds and has the potential to make a big impact next season once he gets settled. He could easily score 15 goals next season, which would be an upgrade on the current forwards available to Benitez.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
The likelihood is growing that Newcastle can land Plea, and it is certainly encouraging to supporters that he wants to work with Champions League winner Benitez. But, as the asking price continues to rise, there is the sense that owner Mike Ashley will not be willing to go into uncharted territory to get the deal done.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10