Canada striker Cyle Larin has been offered to Premier League duo Newcastle United and Watford after turning down the chance to extend his contract at Turkish giants Besiktas, as reported by Sporx.
Get used to this Newcastle United. Welcome to your new life.
The so-called ‘richest football club on planet earth’ are now a magnet for agents looking to hawk their wares. Moths to the proverbial flame.
And make no mistake, Larin, a former MLS star due to become a free-agent at the end of this season, is one of a handful of players who will be offered to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle between now and the February 1 transfer deadline.
The 26-year-old, Ontario-born Larin recently turned down the chance to extend his contract at Bestikas.
It is understood that the striker is demanding around £45,000-a-week – far more than the £27,000-a-week currently on the table.
Fears are now growing at the Vodafone Arena that Larin will be lured away by the bright lights of the Premier League. And their concerns will not have been eased by suggestions that Larin’s agent has opened up a dialogue with Newcastle and Watford.
Whether the Magpies or the Hornets seize the opportunity to snap up the one-time Orlando City frontman remains to be seen.
Will Newcastle or Watford sign Cyle Larin?
Newcastle, for what it’s worth, are prioritising a centre-half and a commanding central midfielder rather than a number nine (The Athletic).
Watford, meanwhile, have already spent £7 million on securing the services of goalkeeper Maduke Okoye, fighting off competition from Premier League rivals Southampton and Crystal Palace.
Larin may be worth a punt for two clubs looking to pull clear of the relegation zone, however.
He scored 23 goals last term after all, firing Besiktas to a domestic double, and is reported to be available for a fee in the region of £8 million.
Reports in Turkey suggested that West Ham made a bid for Larin last January, after selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax, while Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked.
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