According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle United and West Ham United have joined the race for Rennes attacker M’Baye Niang.
It’s claimed that Rennes have rejected a bid for Niang from Qatari side Al-Duhail. The bid was around €15million (£13.5million), but Rennes want €20million (£18million).
Al-Duhail may return with a new bid, but there is a fierce battle emerging. This report states that Newcastle and West Ham have joined the race too, alongside Eintracht Frankfurt.
Niang dreams of a move to Marseille, but isn’t opposed to heading to Qatar either. That would suggest that Newcastle and West Ham face a real battle.
The news comes just days after L’Equipe reported that Niang doesn’t fancy a move to Tottenham. Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move to sign Niang in the hope of bolstering his attack.
Maybe Niang doesn’t want to be a squad player. After all, he has been playing his best football with Rennes, hitting 15 goals in all competitions this season.
That may present a chance for Newcastle or West Ham to swoop in. The latter need to be careful financially in light of the global pandemic, and forking out £18million may be tricky right now.
Newcastle could comfortably afford the fee if they are finally taken over, and they certainly need a striker after Joelinton’s struggles.
Niang could fit the bill, and he still has potential at 25. Until the takeover goes through though, they risk missing out on targets like Niang.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
