Newcastle United face missing out on their top defensive target after West Ham table an €18million bid for AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour.
Abdennour looks set to depart the Stade Louis II this summer and, having tracked the 25-year-old for some time, Newcastle’s recruitment team had included the defender on their list of potential summer targets.
Newcastle have already stepped up their efforts to sign Abdennour by tabling an opening offer of €17million – as per French news outlet Foot Mercato. However, less than 24 hours after submitting their initial bid, West Ham have outbid the Magpies.
The Hammers’ emergence as serious suitors presents a serious threat to Newcastle’s chances of landing Abdennour, as they boast the lure of potential Europa League football, as well as higher wages.
A deal is still far from guaranteed, despite the Mirrors claims that West Ham are ‘closing in’ on the transfer, as Monaco are holding out for a fee closer to their £14million valuation.
Italian trio Juventus, Inter and AC Milan remain in talks with Monaco about a potential transfer, while Barcelona and Liverpool also hold an interest in the former Toulouse man.
