Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus has said he is fighting to keep Newcastle United target Alassane Plea at the club despite reports that the striker was set to leave this summer.
In an interview with Kicker, the Bundesliga club chief revealed that he will speak with the French attacker, as well as Marcus Thuram and Breel Embolo, about staying with Gladbach, with Plea’s contract expiring in the summer of 2023.
As reported by L’Equipe, Newcastle are just one side interested in Plea ahead of the transfer window, with the striker often the centre of attention for Premier League clubs.
However, whilst it looked certain that the 29-year-old would leave Gladbach this summer, the club’s latest update on Plea has now thrown this into doubt, with Newcastle no doubt confused over the sudden U-turn.
Indeed, the striker could have been a fantastic addition for the Magpies this summer, but in the words of Virkus, Gladbach are already working behind the scenes to sign Plea down to a new deal with the Bundesliga side.
The sporting director said: “I will speak to all three and explain what we are planning. I don’t want to sell any of the guys. It can’t be ruled out that they will pursue other goals for themselves. In the event that no agreement can be found, one would have to consider how to solve the situation.”
Stunning Gladbach update on Plea is a huge summer blow for Newcastle
Signed for a reported £22m, Plea could have been an ideal readymade striker to lead the line for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle next season, however, with Gladbach now desperate to keep the attacker, this update is a big blow for the Magpies.
Whilst Newcastle are not short of options, Plea would have been a great addition to the club given his qualities and record in the Bundesliga, which has seemingly woken Gladbach up in trying to sign the forward down to a new deal.
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