OGC Nice have reportedly agreed a fee for Newcastle United target Mario Lemina.
On Thursday it looked like the Magpies were finally about to make a breakthrough in the transfer market.
The Northern Echo claimed that a deal to bring Lemina to St James’ Park from Southampton was close, and that a compromise over the fee was near.
They stated that Newcastle wanted to pay around £4million, but Southampton wanted double that fee. However, the compromise was closer to our price tag.
It seemed like the 27-year-old was going to be our first signing of the summer. However, now he’s heading back to France.
The Northern Echo reported late on Thursday that Lemina is now close to agreeing a deal with Ligue 1 side Nice.
Reported Nice fee shows Newcastle could have got a bargain with Mario Lemina
Missing out is certainly a blow. It’s an even bigger blow when you see the price that Nice are reportedly paying.
According to the Athletic, they have agreed a fee of just £4.7million with Southampton.
With money tight at Newcastle right now, this kind of signing would have been absolutely perfect.
Lemina would have improved our midfield, and the bargain fee would have left us with other funds to boost the squad elsewhere.
Alas, it is another target that has passed us by this summer.
Transfer windows are normally difficult for Newcastle under Mike Ashley, but this year’s is particularly tough.
Every player we seem to be linked with is wanted by someone else, and inevitably they head elsewhere.
It’s happened with Kristoffer Ajer and William Saliba, and now it is happening with Lemina. Fingers crossed it doesn’t happen with Joe Willock as well…
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
