Newcastle are reportedly interested in both Balotelli and N’Jie.
Newcastle United are reportedly set to miss out on OGC Nice striker Mario Balotelli, with the controversial striker said to have chosen Marseille over Tyneside – but that could prove to be a boost in another reported transfer pursuit.
The Mirror claimed Newcastle were keen to lure 28-year-old Balotelli back to the Premier League for a third time after spells with Liverpool and Manchester City, and even made an offer for the 36-time Italy international.
However, Balotelli has chosen Marseille according to the report with his contract at Nice set to expire in the summer. Some reports suggests Nice manager Patrick Vieira has shunned the striker completely.
Though Newcastle will be disappointed not to sign Balotelli, losing out on the Premier League and Champions League winner will give The Toon a big boost in the pursuit of another forward in Clinton N’Jie.
The Mail claim Newcastle are one of four Premier League sides in speed machine N’Jie, who has been told he can leave Marseille on loan this month. Crystal Palace, Burnley and Cardiff City are also said to be keen.
N’Jie joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2015 from Lyon, but managed just 14 appearances and was loaned to Marseille for the 2016-17 campaign before that deal became permanent for £7million (Mirror) in the summer of 2017.
He has managed 14 goals and eight assists in 71 appearances for Marseille, with the French club deploying him mainly from out wide – though he can play as a striker too.
With Balotelli joining Marseille, N’Jie is likely to become completely surplus to requirements under manager Rudi Garcia and losing out on the talismanic forward may see Newcastle find it a whole lot easier to sign N’Jie.
Newcastle need speed and invention up front and although N’Jie has hardly proved himself in the Premier League with Spurs, he certainly boasts an eye for goal, explosive speed and plenty of skill.
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