Transfer update from Spain concerning Newcastle and Leeds United.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune (R)
Newcastle United are suddenly backing off potential defender signing Florian Lejeune, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
The Mail reported earlier this week that Newcastle plan to pay his £8.7 million release clause in a bid to secure his signature.
Yet Spanish side Eibar are concerned the deal may not happen, for a defender they accept is likely to leave this transfer window.
Mundo Deportivo reported last night: “Newcastle, which at first was very clear to pay the 10 million euros of the termination clause of Florian Lejeune, still does not give signs of life, which also stops the pursuit of a replacement that covers the hypothetical departure of the Frenchman.”
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune challenges Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo
Newcastle are yet to make any signings this transfer window and there is still plenty of time to follow up their interest in Lejeune, but in backing off it has repercussions for another club in England.
Mundo Deportivo report Eibar are battling Leeds United to sign Huesca forward Samu Saiz, who scored 12 goals and provided nine assists last season.
It is claimed Leeds have made a more attractive financial offer for Saiz, and while they are hopeful of convincing him to remain in Spain, the connection is obvious.
Getting a cash injection of £8.7 million for Lejeune will aid their transfer pursuits and potentially give them the edge over Leeds for Saiz.
The longer Newcastle dally, the better Leeds’ chances of winning the race for Saiz are.
According to a report in The Chronicle today, Newcastle are still interested in signing Lejeune, but they have yet to trigger the release clause.
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