Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is said to be facing huge competition to get this and other deals over the line.
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Angers winger Nicolas Pepe [right]
Prospective Newcastle United signing Nicolas Pepe is “holding out” amid interest from other Premier League clubs, the Sun’s Neil Ashton writes [9 June, page 61].
It is claimed that Newcastle thought they “had the jump on” Pepe, a winger for French side Angers.
However, Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is said to be facing “huge competition” to get this and other deals over the line.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Pepe scored three goals and made another this past Ligue 1 campaign, and has previously been linked with English top flight sides Everton and West Bromwich Albion.
And it appears that Newcastle have contingency plans in place should they fail to land the 22-year-old, with the report adding that Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend remains on Benitez’s radar.
Former Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend
United are expected to overhaul their squad this summer, despite finishing top of the Championship, although they are still awaiting their first new recruit.
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and Eibar defender Florian Lejeune have been strongly linked with moves too St James’ Park in recent weeks.
Would Pepe be a good signing for Newcastle United?
General view of Newcastle’s St James’ Park
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