Newcastle United target Juanmi is close to joining Southampton after they agreed to meet his £5million release clause, according to the Mirror.
The Magpies were heavily linked with the Spanish striker as they seek to strengthen their strike force in time for the new Premier League campaign, but it now seems like Newcastle have missed their chance and will have to watch him play for Southampton next season.
Juanmi, who has one Spanish cap, was seen as an ideal choice to play alongside Ayoze Perez and a powerful striker next season – in McClaren’s favoured 4-3-3- system. He would have also offered some versatility at St James’ Park as he is equally competent as a winger.
New manager Steve McClaren is targeting a number of forwards including Charlie Austin and Wolfsburg’s Bas Dost. The former England manager will want to bring back attacking football to Tyneside, but in order to do so he will have to invest.
Mike Ashley has already given the go-ahead for the Board of Directors to pursue a number of transfer targets and spend their transfer funds, but after seemingly missing out on Micah Richards and Juanmi, to Aston Villa and Southampton respectively, McClaren will have to start looking elsewhere.
