Newcastle United are optimistic that a deal with Nice over signing attacker Alassane Plea can be agreed to, according to the Northern Echo.
The local newspaper state that the Magpies are plotting their second approach for the 5ft 9in tall forward (Transfermarkt) after their initial offer for Plea was rejected by Nice on Monday evening.
The Northern Echo report that while it’s not known how much the Magpies bid for the attacker, their offer is believed to have fallen well short of Nice’s £27million asking price.
OPINION
Magpies supporters won’t be surprised to hear that the Magpies bid below what the French club is demanding for its prolific forward. However they will be happy to know that their club are optimistic about getting a deal done despite Nice being in no mood to change their position regarding Plea’s price tag. The 25-year-old forward who ended his 2017/18 campaign having scored 21 goals in 49 outings would be a fantastic signing by the club if the Magpies were successful in their pursuit of him. Plea is exactly the type of player needed to significantly boost the current team’s goal threat as Rafa Benitez could clearly do with a lethal finisher to lead his side from the front. The Northern Echo’s report claims that West Ham and Fulham also have a strong interest in the forward but are yet to submit a bid for him, therefore the Magpies must swiftly wrap up a deal for Plea before their Premier League rivals even have chance to make an offer.
