Newcastle United’s late push for another attacking addition appears to have taken a major step forward, with Matthias Jaissle’s side continuing to work aggressively in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Lille’s Matías Fernández-Pardo has been Newcastle’s No. 1 attacking target in recent weeks, and after multiple rejected approaches and a significant gap in valuation, the Magpies may finally be on the verge of getting their man.
According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Newcastle is now close
to reaching an agreement with Lille for the 21-year-old Belgium international, less than three days from the transfer deadline.
“Newcastle is close to an agreement with Lille for the transfer of the 21-year-old striker,” Aouna reported. “The English club’s management has accelerated negotiations and is nearing the fee demanded by LOSC.”
That represents a significant breakthrough after Newcastle previously struggled to meet Lille’s valuation. Earlier reports indicated the Magpies had explored offers worth €40 million and later up to €60 million including bonuses, while Lille president Olivier Létang was said to be seeking approximately €70 million (£60.5 million).
Although Aouna did not provide the figure currently being discussed, the report makes it clear that Newcastle has moved much closer to Lille’s demands and a final transfer worth between €60-70 million should make it happen.
Fernandez-Pardo’s situation in France has also changed dramatically of late, with Lille manager Davide Ancelotti removing the forward entirely from first-team training until the transfer window closes, with Aouna reporting that Newcastle’s advanced negotiations help explain that decision.
“This situation explains, in particular, Davide Ancelotti’s decision to stop Matías Fernández-Pardo from training with the first team until the transfer window closes,” Aouna reported.
Fernandez-Pardo joined Lille from Gent for approximately €11.5 million last summer and produced eight goals and seven assists across 41 appearances during his debut campaign. Heading into this season, however, the forward made his desire to leave the Ligue 1 club clear.
If Newcastle completes the Fernandez-Pardo deal, do you think the club still needs any more additions before Tuesday’s deadline, or would this be enough? Let us know in the comments below.
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