Newcastle United are allegedly keen to beat their rivals to the French defender this summer.
According to a report from the Chronicle, Newcastle United are prepared to pay Florian Lejeune’s £8.7million release clause in one lump sum to seal a deal for the Frenchman.
The Magpies have been linked with the Eibar player for a while now and the Chronicle cites sources in Spain, that claim Newcastle are willing to pay his release clause in one go rather than in installments in order to beat the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to the player’s signature.
Newcastle need additional quality at the back and after missing out on Rubem Semedo a move for Lejeune has taken on added importance.
Given the prices bandied about these days £8.7million is cheap, and while other clubs may also be willing to pay the full cost up front it seems Newcastle are doing all they can to get this deal over the line and avoid missing out on another top target.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez will be desperate to challenge at the right end of the table following the club’s Premier League return and, while they impressed in the second tier last time out, they need plenty of new players to ensure they continue to build on that success.
Lejeune played 37 times for Eibar last season, helping his side secure a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid in one of their best performances of the campaign.
For a cut-price fee he could be heading to St. James’ Park and Newcastle fans will be hoping they do not see him slip through their fingers after a seemingly strong pursuit.
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