Bournemouth and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Rennes forward Firmin Mubele.
Rennes’ Firmin Mubele
According to Goal, Bournemouth have failed with a €12million (£10.5million) bid for Rennes forward Firmin Mubele, far outstripping Newcastle’s €6million (£5.3million) offer.
Mubele, 24, started out with Vita Club in his native DR Congo before earning a 2015 move to Al Ahli, where his record of 16 goals in 36 games handed him a move to Rennes in January of last year.
After notching three goals in 15 games before the end of last season, Mubele has notched five goals and one assist in 16 Ligue 1 appearances this term, and his displays have attracted interest.
Goal report that Newcastle United offered €6million (£5.3million) for Mubele over the summer, but Bournemouth have now submitted a bid of €12million (£10.5million) – but both offers were rejected.
Rennes are attempting to stand firm and keep hold of Mubele, but will allegedly accept an offer of around €15million (£13.3million) if such an offer arrives this month.
Mubele, a versatile forward who can play up front or out wide, hasn’t been a vital player for Rennes since Sabri Lamouchi took charge, but it’s clear that the club still view him as a valuable asset.
Given the confusion over Newcastle’s takeover situation, it seems almost impossible that manager Rafael Benitez will be given £13million to spend on Mubele, especially given that he is unproven in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether Bournemouth return with a new bid this month, but Mubele’s future may well be a lingering topic of conversation during the January transfer window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
