Newcastle ‘prepare £8m transfer bid for Sochaux winger Alan Virginius, 19, but set for battle with Bayer Leverkusen’
NEWCASTLE UNITED are preparing an £8million offer for 19-year-old winger Alan Virginius, according to reports.
Virginius, who currently plays for Ligue 2 Sochaux, is highly regarded as a star for the future.
The teenager’s performances last season have attracted interest from The Magpies, but they will need to beat German side Bayer Leverkusen to his signature, according to .
With just one year left on his current deal, it is believed an agreement can be struck for his services.
The majority of Virginius’ minutes came from the bench, but despite this he still managed to score five goals and register two assists.
The French left winger starred for the Under 19 national team during the European Championships for the age bracket last month.
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Despite suffering a semi-final exit, Virginius left the tournament with three goals and three assists to his name, including a goal in the semi-final.
Newcastle remain on the lookout for stars to bolster their attack after failing in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, who has signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
Recent reports have indicated the club are keen on signing singing Leeds United star Jack Harrison and Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka in a £55m double swoop.
Brentford forward Ivan Toney has also been earmarked as a target for them due to the club’s frustration with Callum Wilson’s injury record, but interest from Manchester United could make such a transfer difficult to complete.
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Newcastle have already completed the signings of Nick Pope from Burnley and Sven Botman from Lille, as well as making Matt Targett’s loan from Aston Villa a permanent deal.
Manager Eddie Howe wants to push his team into the top half of the Premier League next season and fast-track the ambitions of the club’s new Saudi-backed ownership.