Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign Angers star Angelo Fulgini.
The Daily Mail have claimed the Toon are fighting Crystal Palace for the Ivory Coast-born Frenchman.
Fulgini is seen as Angers’ best player, and the Ligue 1 outfit are supposedly ready to cash in to alleviate a bit of financial pressure, which is being felt by most clubs in the French top-flight right now.
The 24-year-old has been with Angers since 2017, and has racked up over 100 appearances to date.
Last term, Fulgini was involved in 14 goals, scoring 10 and setting up four.
Fulgini has drawn attention to himself for being a payer that makes things happen. His superb dribbling ability and ball control saw him finish as the second most-fouled player across the top five leagues in Europe last season.
With two years remaining on his contract, Angers value their man at £12 million.
Newcastle and Palace are keen, with new Eagles manager Patrick Vieira having seen him first-hand during his time as Nice boss.
There has also previously been interest from Everton and Southampton.
GFFN produced a feature on Fulgini in 2017, likening the player to Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Their article read: “You tend to see transformed full-backs be a little more cautious or too gung-ho but the Frenchman has been more akin to a Gareth Bale or a Cristiano Ronaldo, embracing the opportunities to attack the opposition and drift into the space in-field.
“He’s confident with the ball at his feet, willing to attack the opposition with speed and trickery from anywhere in the attacking third.”
Fulgini would be a big risk
Given the lack of funds right now, Newcastle need to make their signings count.
To pay £12 million for Fulgini would be a fair risk, although he’s probably ready to step up from Angers now.
Newcastle’s midfield is undoubtedly in need of some rejuvenation, but Fulgini at that price may not be the answer.
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