But! Football Club claim Newcastle have overtaken Leeds in the race to sign Nantes speed machine Moses Simon – after opening a chain of dialogue with the Ligue 1 side to sign the Nigeria attacker. Both clubs are interested.
Simon, 26, has caught the eye among Premier League clubs with 10 goal involvements in 22 Ligue 1 matches for Nantes – who have surprised many with their form this season, sitting in a lofty sixth place in the French table.
The 43-time Nigeria international will enter the final two years of his contract at Nantes in the summer, and given his age, it might be the ideal time to cash in. Leeds have been strongly linked with the African ace.
But Newcastle have stolen a march on Leeds, by opening talks to sign the Nigeria winger ahead of the summer window – as per BFC. It is claimed Nantes want a fee of £16.8million, with Marseille also said to be keen.
Newcastle in talks for Simon: Leeds need him more than the Toon
It is all down to the future of Raphinha. The Brazil international has sparkled in his two seasons at Elland Road, but even if Leeds remain in the Premier League come May – the ex-Rennes winger is likely to go.
Newcastle ace Ryan Fraser is making a case for his place in the side beyond the summer, shining under Eddie Howe. Simon is an improvement on Fraser, but Leeds need him more with Raphinha likely to go.
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