Newcastle United have joined Everton and West Ham in the race for Olympique de Marseille attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet, according to the Express.
The 28-year-old has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe after certifying his spot as Ligue 1’s top creator. He netted seven times and assisted seventeen in 35 league appearances last season. In comparison, Newcastle’s top assister last season was Daryl Janmaat with six.
Payet’s excellent attacking contribution couldn’t fire Marseille into the Champions League spots and has resulted in the Frenchman suffering an automatic wage drop. His new deal sees his wage from £250,000-a-month (roughly £62,500-a-week) to £180,000-a-month (roughly £45,000-a-week).
A source close to Marseille has told French news outlet Le Parisien: “Marseille must renegotiate his contract or risk losing him.”
Should they opt not to offer the France international a new contract, Payet will begin his search for a new club with Everton, Newcastle and West Ham among the interested parties.
The Magpies are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer with Payet upon their short-list. However, they are likely to pursue other targets first with chief scout Graham Carr identifying Florian Thauvin and Georginio Wijnaldum as targets who represent better value for money.
Meanwhile Papiss Cisse and Haris Vuckic are set to depart from St James’ Park this summer as Newcastle look to make way for their new striker signings – with rumours suggesting Bas Dost could be unveiled by Friday.
