Bid rejected for French winger

Newcastle have had a bid rejected for AC Milan youngster M’Baye Niang, as per reports in Italy that surfaced this morning.

Calciomercato claim the offer was €6.7million (roughly £5million when converted to sterling) – a value which the Italian outfit deemed far too low.

They also claim that this offer was made prior to Newcastle tying up a deal for Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, and it remains to be seen whether the club will follow up their initial attempt with an improved offer.

Niang had been a long-term target for Graham Carr, and Newcastle have made attempts to sign him before – including last summer and January. He hasn’t quite had the impact in Italy that many predicted when he first signed for AC, but Carr is still confident Niang will be a hit on Tyneside.

Since joining Milan from SM Caen, Niang has been loaned out twice – to Montpellier and Genoa.

It is though that Milan still have faith in Niang’s ability and believe he can develop into a first-team player, therefore wanting him to stay at the club. He is only 20-years-old and AC believe he has plenty of time to develop – adding to his price-tag.

It is unlikely Newcastle will follow up with a second bid if they are serious about bringing QPR striker Charlie Austin to St James’ Park this summer.