According to RMC Sport, Moses Simon has agreed personal terms with OGC Nice, despite interest from Newcastle and Leeds.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Leeds were keen to bring the £9m forward to the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Newcastle had even opened talks with Nantes over a deal for Simon.
Now, however, both Eddie Howe and Jesse Marsch look set to miss out on the Nigeria international, who has agreed to leave the Ligue 1 side in favour of remaining in France with OGC Nice.
Simon earns his move following an impressive 2021/22 campaign, in which he scored six goals in 34 appearances, while also providing eight assists.
Interest from Leeds dates as far back as when Marcelo Bielsa was still in charge at Elland Road, so those on the board in Yorkshire are clearly big fans of the 26-year-old.
Unfortunately, barring any late shocks, the Whites – and the Magpies – seem to have lost out.
Newcastle will be more upset than Leeds
In our view, Newcastle will be hit harder by this news than Leeds are.
It was said that Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi had made Simon their No.1 target this summer, after Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian ownership also made attempts to bring the Nigerian to Al-Nassr.
Therefore, missing out will come as a big blow.
However, there are alternatives for the Magpies.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby is also said to be a target, while Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Raphinha, although the Leeds man is now close to joining Chelsea.
Another Leeds forward, Jack Harrison, is also in Newcastle’s sights.
In fact, it has been said that talks have already begun between both parties.
Nevertheless, there are many other wingers on the market this summer, and Newcastle have the funds to afford almost anyone they want, so it’s not all doom and gloom on Tyneside.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
