Newcastle United reportedly have competition to sign Mario Lemina in the form of Nice.
The Southampton midfielder is supposedly on the radar of Steve Bruce this summer.
Lemina spent last season on loan at Fulham, where he made 30 appearances.
Newcastle’s interest in him was first reported back in April, and then again last month.
The Daily Mail then claimed that Mike Ashley had reservations about Lemina’s £4 million asking price because of his age.
That is despite him only being 27.
It seems Nice do not see his age as an issue.
Le10 Sport have reported today that the Ligue 1 side have lodged a first offer of £3.4 million.
Newcastle should launch rival bid
Nice see sense in making a move for Lemina, and hopefully Newcastle follow suit in making an offer.
Midfield needs improving, and the budget is tight.
Lemina has Premier League experience and would at least give Steve Bruce more options.
Newcastle should not be allowing Nice to have a free run at Lemina.
That said, Le10 Sport do say the ex-Juventus maestro has many clubs from across Europe looking at him. So a transfer could ultimately be tricky to pull off.
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