Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told This Is Futbol in an exclusive interview that Newcastle United will not baulk at the asking price for Southampton’s Mario Lemina.
Lemina does not look to be in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team plans after spending last season out on loan at Fulham.
The 27-year-old made 28 league appearances as the west London club went on to see relegation from English football’s top flight.
Will Ashley pay up for Lemina?
Yes
Of course not!
He is now being linked with a move to Newcastle. However, according to the MailOnline, owner Mike Ashley is unwilling to spend the £4m Southampton are thought to be looking for due to the player’s age.
Palmer, though, is unconvinced that is the case, believing Ashley would have no problem paying such a low fee.
“That’s just paper talk,” the ex-Leeds United player said. “Four million is a snip at the moment if that’s the asking price. I don’t think Ashley would be baulking at that.”
From Southampton’s perspective, they will be eager to sell Lemina in this transfer window if he is not wanted by Hasenhuttl.
The Gabonese midfielder is out of contract next summer, so this could potentially be the Saints’ last chance to make a little bit of money.