The Athletic are reporting that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley did not want to pay for Mario Lemina before he left Southampton for Nice.
Newcastle United’s interest
Lemina has left Southampton for Nice, but Newcastle were strongly linked with the former Juventus midfielder.
The Northern Echo reported this week that Newcastle manager Steve Bruce was hopeful of landing the 27-year-old.
Talks had been held between the Magpies and the Saints, and an initial £4 million deal was close to being agreed upon.
However, Nice made a late move.
Lemina – described by then Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed as an “outstanding” talent, as quoted on BBC Sport in August 2017 – decided to move to the Ligue 1 club instead.
Mike Ashley’s stance
It is now being reported by The Athletic that Newcastle owner Ashley did not want to pay the £4m needed for Lemina.
The English businessman reportedly ‘held reservations about paying a fee’ for the 27-year-old.
Worrying for Newcastle United fans?
Newcastle do not tend to sign players in their mid or late-20s, and given that Lemina could not make a massive impact at Southampton, you can understand why Ashley had reservations.
However, if the Magpies are to establish themselves as top-10 regulars in the Premier League, then they have to spend more than just £4 million on established players.
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