Newcastle have now opened talks to sign Arsenal and Liverpool target Lovro Majer from Rennes this summer.
The Magpies are said to have enquired about the Croatia international, and were told that he has a release clause worth €40m (£35m) written into his contract.
It comes after the Daily Mail claimed that Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in Majer.
What’s the story?
Well – according to Foot Mercato – Newcastle have made the first move to sign Majer.
The Rennes No.21 – who is likened to Luka Modric by the French news outlet – is valued at £35m due to the fact Dinamo Zagreb are entitled to a large cut of any transfer fee received by the Ligue 1 side if they sell the attacking midfielder.
Foot Mercato add that Newcastle were given a “firm” response when they asked about Majer, with Rennes simply referring to his release clause, which suggests they are in no mood to negotiate a lower sum.
The 25-year-old won a bronze medal at the World Cup in Qatar back in December, appearing in all seven games as Croatia defeated Morocco in the third place play-off.
Newcastle must think hard about spending £35m on Majer
Aside from that aforementioned achievement on the international scene, Majer has experienced a fairly quiet campaign domestically.
The Croatian has scored just two goals in 37 appearances, while also providing four assists.
In comparison to last season, when he scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions, it is a very underwhelming return.
Nevertheless, Majer is a very talented player who boasts superb technical ability, and you can see why the likes of Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool are monitoring him.
Ultimately, Newcastle must now decide whether to take something of a risk in meeting the £35m release clause for a player who has been below par this season in the hope that it is just a blip, or look elsewhere.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Majer could soon be coming to the Premier League.
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