Le10Sport claim Club Brugge are looking to sign Sochaux forward Alan Virginius, who could be targeted as a possible replacement for Leeds target Charles De Ketelaere – but Newcastle eye Virginius too.
Virginius, 19, has already clocked up 50 senior appearances for Sochaux – albeit with the French club in Ligue 2. Able to play on either flank or up front, Brugge are keen – but face competition from Newcastle and Leverkusen.
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The 15-time France Under-19 international has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Sochaux. The Ligue 2 club are ready to cash in, for a fee between £6million and £8.5million, in the coming weeks and months.
Reports claim Leeds have tabled an offer worth £26million to sign Brugge and Belgium talent De Ketelaere. Virginius, given his attacking versatility, could be his replacement – but Newcastle might have a say about that.
Brugge eye Virginius: Possible replacement for Leeds target De Ketelaere
The question interested parties have got to ask is whether Virginius is good enough, for the likes of Newcastle or Leverkusen. He is the kind of player Brugge should be targeting, cheap with massive resale value.
Virginius needs to keep playing regular football in order to maximise his potential. At Newcastle or Leverkusen, he is not going to get that level of first-team exposure. At Brugge, he will.
So, if Virginius is to leave Sochaux to one of the three clubs, Brugge is his best landing spot and that hands Leeds a boost in the race for De Ketelaere. Leeds are likely to wait to cash in on Raphinha before spending themselves.
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