Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on Eibar defender Florian Lejeune.
Eibar defender Florian Lejeune
According to Marca, Newcastle United have offered to double Florian Lejeune’s wages as they close in on a deal to sign the Eibar defender.
The Magpies saw Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark impress in their promotion-winning campaign this past season, but Chancel Mbemba suffered an up-and-down season, whilst Grant Hanley failed to make an impact following his summer move from Blackburn.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
Manager Rafael Benitez may subsequently look to bring in a new centre back, and a deal to bring in a defender may be drawing ever closer this evening.
Spanish newspaper Marca report that Newcastle have agreed to pay the €10million (£8.75million) release clause in the contract of Eibar defender Florian Lejeune in the hope of beating Arsenal and Spurs to his signature.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune (R)
In fact, it’s stated that Newcastle’s offer to the Frenchman will see him double his wages, which Eibar simply can’t match, and hand him a four-year contract at St. James’ Park as the deal seemingly moves forward.
Lejeune, 26, had spells with Agde, Istres, Villarreal, Brest and Girona before a stunning move to Manchester City in 2015, but having spent the 2015/16 season on loan at Girona, he joined Eibar permanently last summer.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune challenges Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo
Lejeune starred for Eibar this past season, and his performances have triggered major interest from Newcastle, who are now on the verge of signing him.
His expected arrival will surely spell the end for Hanley, with Benitez seemingly prepared to move on signings from last summer in order to strengthen his squad for the Premier League.
Would you be happy to see Newcastle sign Lejeune?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
