Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Alassane Plea from Borussia Monchengladbach.
L’Equipe have claimed the French striker are monitoring the star, who is apparently unlikely to extend his contract with the Bundesliga club. His current deal expires in the summer of 2023.
Newcastle like Plea’s profile, and see him as a means of further strengthening their attacking options.
The club, of course, signed Chris Wood from Burnley last week for a reported fee of £25 million (BBC Sport).
This season, Plea has not been in particularly good form, scoring just three goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
It could be that Gladbach see this as a good moment to sell Plea. Every club in world football knows that Newcastle are looking to strengthen in several areas this month.
The German club may therefore look to do business with the Magpies.
If Newcastle landed Plea in the next couple of weeks, Eddie Howe would have done what Rafa Benitez failed to do a few years ago.
The Spaniard actually confirmed during his time as Newcastle boss that he tried to sign Plea.
He said (via the Chronicle, 2018): “He was one of the names on the list.”
Newcastle had seen a £20 million bid for the player rejected by his then-club Nice. Gladbach would then go on to sign Plea for £22 million (Chronicle).
Second time lucky for Newcastle as Alassane Plea re-appears on transfer radar?
Newcastle failed once over Alassane Plea. This could be second time lucky for the Magpies.
The star has a decent record for Gladbach since he joined them over Newcastle. In total, he’s bagged 40 goals in 127 games, and also provided 21 assists.
Not amazing numbers, but pretty decent.
He’s a more mobile player than Wood. It would be good for Newcastle to have someone like that as alternative option.
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