Newcastle United are reportedly hoping to tie up the signing of Guingamp winger Marcus Coco – ahead of Southampton and Stoke City.
Guingamp winger Marcus Coco
According to The Sun, Newcastle United are set to mount a new £10million bid to sign Guingamp winger Marcus Coco – but face competition from Southampton and Stoke City.
Coco, 20, was born in Guadeloupe but eventually made his way over to France, where he joined the Guingamp youth ranks in 2013.
The flying winger, known for his superb pace, has become a first-team player with Guingamp, and has hit four goals and two assists in 28 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
Those exploits appear to have attracted interest, with The Sun claiming that Southampton and Stoke City are both keen to sign Coco – but Newcastle United are in pole position after failing to land him last summer.
It’s stated that Magpies boss Rafael Benitez wanted to sign Coco last summer, but Guingamp snubbed his efforts, leading Newcastle to try again this summer.
The report claims that a new £10million bid from Newcastle is imminent, and whilst Coco has impressed, Magpies fans will be concerned at the prospect of spending big on another French flop – much like they did with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Florian Thauvin, Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle aren’t alone in the pursuit of Coco though, as it’s claimed that Southampton boss Claude Puel is a big fan of his compatriot, whilst Stoke City are fellow admirers.
Newcastle will be hoping to get in quickly and seal a deal for a long-term Benitez target, and Coco may well be hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Guingamp stars Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda in moving to the Premier League.
Would you like to see Newcastle sign Coco?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
