Newcastle United have had a £15m offer for Sporting Lisbon’s Islam Slimani rejected, according to French media.
After completing the signing of Seydou Doumbia on loan until the end of the season, Newcastle are trying to tie up a deal for one more striker before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm tonight.
A deal for Saido Berahino continues to stall, and Newcastle could be prepared to make moves for other targets.
Now, according to France Football, Newcastle have made an approach for Lisbon’s Algerian frontman, only for it to be turned down by the Portuguese club.
Newcastle have been linked with Slimani in the past, and were said to be keen on his services in the summer of 2014. But the Magpies opted to make a move for Emmanuel Riviere instead.
In three years at Sporting, Slimani has scored an impressive 46 goals in 93 appearances in all competitions.
Sporting currently top the Primeira Liga in Portugal by two points, and are understandably unwilling to sell one of their key players. But, an offer closer to £20m could be enough to lure the 27-year-old to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle are also understood to be keeping an eye on Chelsea’s Loic Remy and Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis as their move for Berahino fails to progress.
