Marseille have now moved to improve their position at the front of the race to sign Jordan Veretout after lodging an opening transfer offer for the Roma star Newcastle United want.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who note Les Phoceens have offered the Giallorossi just €8m (£6.5m) for their French midfielder. Jose Mourinho’s Serie A side have swiftly rejected the proposal as while Veretout is available for a switch, they want at least €16m (£13.5m).
Roma have listed Veretout on the market as Mourinho no longer relies on the 29-year-old and considers him as little more than a reserve option. The five-cap technician was among the first names on the Portuguese’s teamsheet earlier in the term, but has lost all support.
Veretout has now made seven of his last eight Serie A appearances from the bench, having started all previous 21. He has also scored four and assisted seven goals in the Italian top-flight this season. But the Frenchman has not scored since September 26 in his sixth game.
His decline saw the Giallorossi warm to granting an exit in January, but Calciomercato cited a €25-30m (£21-25m) price tag. Their stance fended off interest from Newcastle, who Foot Mercato noted had prepared a bid for Veretout to strengthen Eddie Howe’s engine room.
Marseille move to edge Newcastle in Jordan Veretout race as Roma receive bid
Having baulked at Roma’s valuation in January, Newcastle have maintained an interest in a transfer for Veretout in the summer. Calciomercato noted recently the Toon are one of the final three clubs in the mix with Napoli, but are falling further behind pole sitters Marseille.
Howe will feel Marseille’s opening offer justified Newcastle’s refusal to pay Roma’s asking price for Veretout’s transfer in January. But the Magpies may need to act fast to secure the Ancenis native’s services before they miss out once the market re-opens in the summer.
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