Newcastle United are set to miss out on reported summer target Lucien Agoume, according to FC Inter News.
The Inter Milan news source claim that Agoume is reportedly on the verge of moving to the San Siro after the Italian giants reached a £5.3million agreement with Sochaux.
FC Inter News report that the 17-year-old will undergo a medical next week after revealing the Italian club as his preferred destination.
Manchester City, Barcelona, and Juventus were all said to be interested in the young midfielder, with the Magpies reported by Football Insider to have made a late £4million move in an attempt to ambush Agoume’s move to Italy.
OPINION
There is no doubting the talent that Lucien Agoume possesses, with a number of European giants hunting his signature. Rafael Benitez would have known that this move was a longshot for the Magpies, who would have had to offer an extraordinary contract to tempt the midfield starlet with a move to St James’ Park. For now, it is unlikely that people involved with the club will be too disappointed, with the probable destination being the academy should Agoume of joined the club. The 17-year-old seemed to make it clear from early on in any negotiations that his preferred move was to the San Siro to play under Antonio Conte. With a medical set for next week, the youngster seems to have got his wish, and Newcastle can move on to more experienced options that they need in their midfield for next season. The likelihood of Isaac Hayden leaving the club is very high, and the battling midfielder will leave a big gap behind. Benitez must replace him with a tough tackling holding midfield player, with Agoume not ready for that challenge just yet.
