Christian Falk has been speaking to BILD about Newcastle and their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.
Interestingly, the journalist provided good news for the Toon Army.
What’s the story?
Well, Falk suggested that Newcastle will be successful in their pursuit of the Frenchman if they offer just €10m (£8m) more.
The Magpies are said to have already prepared an offer of €10m (£8m), but the BILD journalist thinks it will require a package of €20m (£17m).
Falk said: “That’s true; a whistleblower called me and told me they are getting serious now. There have been rumours all along that Newcastle are on him, now they are ready to put €10m on the table.
“That said, I think Newcastle will definitely pay the amount that’s needed. An extra €10m and they will be happy.”
Borussia Monchengladbach bought the 28-year-old from OGC Nice in 2018 for a sum of €23m (£19m), so it seems they’d like to recoup as much of that as possible.
Plea has a contract with the Bundesliga side until June 2023, so his value will soon drop when he enters the final 12 months of his deal.
So far this season, the France international has netted just three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Should Newcastle pay £17m for Alassane Plea?
Plea used to be a very highly-rated forward, having hit double figures for goals in each of his three seasons with OGC Nice.
However, he’s really struggling in front of goal this season, and he would represent a risky signing for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle must make every game count now, as they find themselves 19th with just one win in 20 outings.
With 18 games remaining, Newcastle can’t afford to gamble on a player who really isn’t in the best of form right now, to say the least.
If Plea arrives and fails to hit the ground running, it will just be a waste of £17m, and also a waste of a signing for Newcastle – every single one must count.
In our view, Newcastle should look elsewhere.
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