M’Baye Niang’s stock has gone up considerably over the last two years. The Frenchman had a very impressive season for Rennes, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.
His performances for the French outfit attracted a ton of interest from top clubs, both in his home country, as well as from overseas.
L’Equipe claimed recently that Tottenham Hotspur were battling Marseille for Niang’s signature this summer. Foot Mercato claimed that West Ham and Newcastle were also interested in the Frenchman and the Premier League trio are set receive a huge boost in their pursuit.
Foot Mercato claim today that Marseille are considering other options now. The report says that Andre Villas-Boas’ side can longer afford Rennes’ £18 million asking price for Niang, and they are now focusing their attention to sign Leicester City’s Islam Slimani.
That changes things considerably for the Premier League trio considering that Marseille were Niang’s preferred destination, something that annoyed Rennes’ President Julien Stephan. (BuzzSport)
Boost for Tottenham, West Ham and Newcastle?
Tottenham are in serious need of another striker. Spurs struggled massively in Harry Kane’s absence earlier this season and even with him back, there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders to deliver the goods every game.
A new striker will certainly ease the burden on Kane and Niang could well be the man. The former Watford loanee can play alongside Kane, in place of him or on either wing. His versatility will give Mourinho a number of options and his pace is perfect for the Spurs boss’ counter-attacking system.
Newcastle and West Ham could also do with a player like Niang. The Magpies’ record-signing Joelinton has struggled this term as has West Ham’s record-buy Sebastien Haller.
It will be interesting to see where the Frenchman will end up. The Premier League trio will not find it too difficult to afford his £18 million price tag but whether he chooses to return to England is an entirely different story.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
