Newcastle United are ready to lodge an offer between €5-10 million for French teenage forward Alan Virginius.
According to Le 10 Sport, Newcastle United are considering making an offer in the range of €5-10 million for French teenage forward Alan Virginius. Bayer Leverkusen remain in competition for the 19-year-old Sochaux star, who is ready to join a bigger side in this window.
Newcastle United are continuing their search for a new forward in the market but have been unable to find the right player at an adequate price. Eddie Howe is keen on signing at least two forwards in the transfer window but may compromise for one versatile player in the position.
Howe has Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Chris Wood as his primary attacking options. But he needs to add more quality and a different flavour to the frontline. They have been chasing notable names such as Alexander Isak and Moussa Diaby, but the interest in those stars has since cooled down owing to substantial financial demands.
Hugo Ekitike seemed like the ideal player for Howe, and the club came close to securing the French youngster. However, Newcastle cooled their interest due to the player’s disinterest in joining them and continued the active search for alternatives.
Howe has continued scouring the French market for solutions as links to many other young attackers continue. Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara’s name was mentioned recently, while Alan Virginius becomes the latest player to be added to Howe’s list of potential targets.
Virginius had a modest season with Sochaux the last term in Ligue 2, scoring five times and providing three assists. Those numbers may not usually warrant a big move away, but his performances for France at the U-19 European Championships have caught the eye of potential suitors.
Virginius scored three times and assisted as many goals in four European Championship games. Alongside Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing the forward for next season. The player feels this could be the chance to sign for a bigger club, and the interest from clubs could tempt him.
The 19-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with Sochaux, expiring in 2023. Hence this is the time for the Ligue 2 side to cash in and entertain proposals. Newcastle United are reportedly willing to offer between €5-10 million for Virginius, which they believe could be sufficient.
Bayer Leverkusen could respond if Newcastle makes a formal bid. With both clubs seemingly serious about the 19-year-old, there’s every chance of Virginius exiting Sochaux this summer, although a decision will have to be made between England and Germany.
