Newcastle United originally wanted Jean-Philippe Mateta last summer, but didn’t push through a deal.
Newcastle United may face paying big money for Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, just a year after they had him in their sights originally.
However, on that occasion, Newcastle didn’t force through a deal for the Lyon striker – and he went to Mainz instead.
Mateta was a much lower profile target last year, when he had only enjoyed one strong goalscoring season in Ligue 2.
But Mainz are now looking for big money for the youngster, as he has hit 14 goals in 34 games in the Bundelisga.
And Rafael Benitez may well be regretting not moving for the goalscorer last summer now, as Newcastle could have got him at a much cheaper rate.
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