Newcastle have been linked with a move for the French goal getter.
Newcastle United are likely to be on the lookout for a new striker in the coming months and have been linked with a move for Nice striker Alassane Plea as the Frenchman continues to shine in Ligue 1.
Islam Slimani has failed to have the desired impact at St. James’ Park since his January loan move from Leicester City, with a groin injury limiting the Algeria international to just one appearance for Rafa Benitez’s men.
Dwight Gayle has been tasked with leading the line but has managed just five Premier League goals this season, while Joselu struggles to prove his £5million transfer fee from Stoke City in the summer.
Plea, 25, has scores 17 goals in 43 league and cup appearances for Nice alongside Mario Balotelli this season, being used out wide and as a centre-forward in equal measure.
But with three years still to run on his current Nice contract, the uncapped Frenchman will cost the Toon £15million according to the Shields Gazette – a figure that may prove difficult for Rafa Benitez to tempt owner Mike Ashley.
Newcastle tried to sign Feyenoord’s Martin Jorgensen in the summer for a similar fee, but it remains to be seen how much Benitez will be given to spend in the summer.
But if his interest in Plea is true, then a £15million price tag could turn out to be an excellent deal for a player that offers verasility, speed, power and most importantly, guaranteed goals.
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