Lille are set to fight off January interest in forward Victor Osimhen as they look to keep him until the end of the season.
According to Top Mercato, Newcastle are interested in the striker, but Lille are determined to have him at the club until next summer at least.
The report claims that Lille do not expect to be able to avoid him leaving at the end of the season, though.
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Is this a blow for Newcastle?
If the report is correct and he is indeed a target for the club, then yes. It means that Newcastle will need to look elsewhere for a new striker, or wait until the summer to make their move for Osimhen.
Joelinton has scored just one goal in nine Premier League games this season, which could be why Newcastle are looking at strikers to potentially sign in January. However, he could ease the load on the club if he manages to begin performing in the Premier League and finding the back of the net on a consistent basis.
Osimhen has scored eight goals already this season for Lille, which shows how clinical he is in front of goal, and Newcastle need the likes of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron to produce similar form.
