According to La Reppublica, Newcastle are ready to outbid Liverpool and Barcelona to sign Franck Kessie, who is set to leave AC Milan.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems Newcastle are desperate to sign Kessie, and they’re willing to spend big to fight off Liverpool and Barcelona.
La Reppublica believe the Magpies are the only club ready for an auction as the Ivory Coast international’s contract comes to an end.
Kessie becomes a free agent in June, and Newcastle are ready to offer him a lucrative contract – more than what Liverpool or Barcelona will offer.
The 25-year-old is looking for a salary of €6m-a-year (£5m), and the Italian news outlet believe Newcastle are prepared to go even higher than that.
AC Milan are unwilling to meet Kessie’s demands, and by the sounds of it, nobody – not even Liverpool or Barcelona – plans to outspend Newcastle.
In that respect, the Magpies are now firm favourites to secure the £69,000-a-week man’s signature.
Move over Liverpool and Barcelona, Newcastle are here
It’s a sign of the times that Newcastle are now able to outmuscle clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona in the market.
It was only recently that the Magpies were signing players like Jeff Hendrick on a free transfer, with Steve Bruce at the helm.
Now, they’re battling Europe’s elite for top players, and it must all feel like a dream for Newcastle fans.
In our view, a midfield of Kessie and Bruno Guimarães belongs in the Champions League.
Surely won’t be long until Newcastle find themselves playing in Europe’s greatest club competition.
Keep an eye on this saga, as Newcastle appear to be in pole position to sign Kessie.
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