Newcastle United want to sign Islam Slimani from Premier League rivals Leicester City – but Everton and Cenk Tosun could yet cause a problem.
If Newcastle United really want to bring Islam Slimani to St. James’ Park this month, they will have to step up their pursuit and fast.
The Mirror reports that Watford are increasingly confident of signing Leicester City’s seldom-seen striker, with Hornets manager Marco Silva having worked with the Algerian during his career-best spell at Sporting Lisbon.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is understood to be keen, determined as he is to add a new striker to his ranks. But both Newcastle and Watford could yet be blown out of the water.
Because NTV Spor claim that Everton could have a decisive say in the future of Slimani, who cost Leicester a club-record £29 million in the summer of 2016 but has never really performed consistently in England, as reported by the BBC.
The report states that Turkish champions Besiktas want to take Slimani to the Vodafone Arena, as a replacement for Cenk Tosun if their talismanic striker does complete his much-anticipated move to Goodison Park.
That, however, is easier said than done right now. The Mirror (live transfer blog, 7.22am) states that Everton are fearful that their deal to sign Tosun is on the verge of collapse.
The Blues believed they had sealed a £25 million move, only for Besiktas to stunningly raise their demands at the eleventh hour. Tosun had flown to England to put the finishing touches on his transfer but negotiations have now ground to a halt. This has not only left Tosun in limbo but possibly Slimani, too.
But with Watford edging closer and also Besiktas circling, Newcastle could be about to see another of Benitez’s top targets slip away.
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