Newcastle United could blow Celtic out of the water in the race to sign Wigan Athletic striker Kyle Joseph, with the Northern Echo reporting Steve Bruce’s side could offer up to £1 million.
Speaking to Wigan Today during the January transfer window, the League One strugglers made it clear their prized asset wouldn’t be going anywhere for less than a seven-figure sum.
“Obviously we also have a duty to the creditors and, if someone came in with a million quid up front, we might have a decision to make,” said Paul Stanley, the administrator speaking on behalf of the Latics.
“But at the same time I don’t want to do anything to jeopardise the sale of the club. I don’t want the club to get relegated and you want to keep hold of your best players.
“So, as far as that goes, we’re not encouraging any offers and we don’t want any more offers.”
Things have changed since then, of course. Abdulrahman Al-Jasmi and Bahrain-based Phoenix 2021 group were confirmed as the club’s new owners last month after nine months in administration
And, although Joseph is out of contract this summer, the Northern Echo points out any club keen to sign the teenager on a free transfer will be disappointed.
Wigan would be due a substantial compensation fee for a youngster who joined their academy at the age of 13.
The report adds Newcastle may be willing to pay up to £1 million – far more than the £200,000 fee Scottish giants Celtic are rumoured to be offering.
Interestingly, the Magpies have been scouting Joseph for a number of months and will make a bid even if they are relegated from the Premier League.
Dropping down to the Championship would be no bad thing, of course, for Joseph. After all, making the step up from League One to the second tier would be an easier task than moving directly into the top flight.
Joseph has scored five goals in 15 games this season, including a hat-trick against Burton Albion.
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