Newcastle United had scouts watching French striker Moussa Dembele over the weekend, according to the Daily Mail.
The Mail claims that scouts from a host of Premier League clubs were in attendance, with Man United, City, Newcastle and West Ham watching on.
The trip to Lyon could be considered a fruitful one, as the scouts saw the former Celtic man score his 12th league goal of the season.
The report claims that the French side have already earmarked Le Havre’s Tino Kadewere and Villarreal forward Karl Toko Ekambi as potential signings that could allow Dembele to move on.
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Duncan Castles on The Transfer Window podcast reported earlier this month that the striker had agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a potential deal, a clear sign of how highly he is rated in both France and England.
However, after making six appearances in Lyon’s Champions League campaign this season, you’d have to think that European football could be a huge incentive when he decides his next move – a factor that could cast doubts over a potential switch to Newcastle.
Not to mention the fact that the striker is valued at a hefty £36 million, according to Transfermarkt. £16 million more than the £20 million that Steve Bruce has reportedly been given to spend on his squad this month, as per the Mail.
While the links to such a big-money striker could be exciting for supporters, you do have to wonder if Newcastle are giving out false hope and wasting their time pursuing a potential move for Dembele, given the level of interest that is developing in his services from some of the top aforementioned Premier League clubs.
