Sevilla could soon launch a bid to sign Stade Rennais striker Gaetan Laborde, with Newcastle United also reportedly interested in the French attacker this summer.
According to L’Equipe, the La Liga giants are strongly chasing the 28-year-old forward in the final week of the European transfer window, with Laborde potentially set to leave Rennais just one year after signing for the Ligue 1 side, with interest from Sevilla and Newcastle mounting this week.
Eddie Howe’s side have been looking for an attacker all summer to provide competition and depth for Callum Wilson, whose injury record means Newcastle are playing a risky game having the England international as their sole striker in the senior squad, which is where interest in Laborde comes into play.
One of France’s best strikers over the past two seasons, Laborde has been a revelation in Ligue 1 for both Rennais and former side Montpellier in recent years, with Sevilla expected to pay as much as €25m (£20m) should they want to sign the striker this week.
Labelled as a ‘breathtaking’ performer by French news outlet Homme du Match, Newcastle face a serious uphill battle to sign Laborde with Sevilla now looking to launch an offer for the attacker in the coming days, with the Spanish giants able to offer UEFA Champions League football this season as well as a shot at silverware in numerous competitions.
Indeed, whilst Laborde could be tempted by the project Howe is currently leading at Newcastle, the attacker’s age means that the forward could be more eager to sign for a readymade squad who can compete for trophies in the next 12 months, something Sebilla can provide and then some.
Sevilla could blow Newcastle out of the water to sign Laborde
Laborde might have been at Rennes for just one year, but the striker could already be set for a step up in his career, with Sevilla leading the charge to sign the talented French attacker despite interest from Newcastle, who could struggle to compete with their Spanish rivals for the forward.
With Champions League football and a realistic shot at silverware on offer for Sevilla, Laborde could be very tempted to swap Rennes for Andalusia in the coming days, and for Newcastle, it will be another striking target who has opted against a move to St. James Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
