Newcastle need to sign a winger before the end of the transfer window.
Bournemouth have reportedly made an £8million offer for Sweden’s World Cup star Viktor Claesson but Newcastle United cannot let the Cherries nab such a bargain without making a move of their own.
The Sun claim Bournemouth have tabled an offer worth the seven-figure fee for Claesson, with Swedish reports suggesting that Claesson’s current side Krasnodar are willing to accept the offer.
The 26-year-old starred at the World Cup as Sweden defied the odds to reach the last eight of the competition, even without their former talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Claesson was used on the right of a 4-4-2 formation, with Sweden praised more for their defensive rigidity that saw them almost nab points off of 2014 champions Germany.
A 27-time Sweden international, Claesson earned his place in Sweden’s starting XI after having a hand in 20 goals for Krasnodar in just 34 games last season – he scored 12 and created eight.
The winger is renowned for his work rate, but also offers speed, an aerial prowess and a footballing intelligence that allows him to be defensive when required. At £8million, Claesson is a bargain.
Newcastle could do with a winger despite the signing of Kenedy, after Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy failed to impress last season while Matt Ritchie has been linked with a move before August 9’s deadline.
Rafa Benitez would be foolish not to match Bournemouth’s offer, with Claesson likely to be available on the cheap because he has less than two years remaining on his contract with the Russian Premier League side.
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