Newcastle Utd News

Ashley can avoid Newcastle snub as price named for in-demand forward who fits the bill – report

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Newcastle owner Mike Ashley can avoid the Magpies being snubbed in the transfer market, as the price United must pay for Stade de Reims forward Remi Oudin has been set, according to The Sun.

Oudin has been attracting interest from sides in England, France, and Italy this year after helping David Guion’s team finish the Ligue 1 campaign in the top-half, regardless of how the final weekend goes.

The 22-year-old has also been dubbed the “next Robin van Persie”, after hitting ten goals and three assists in the French top-flight, with an average minute per goal strike rate of one every 254. He also struck one every 175 minutes in the Coupe de France this term, and is capable of playing on the right-wing, as the out-and-out centre-forward, or as the attacking midfielder.

His stunning campaign and versatility has attracted Watford enough to make a bid, too, but thankfully their £7million offer is said to have been knocked back as Reims want £10m for their academy product.

Fiorentina, while yet to make a move, are also interested in what Oudin could offer La Viola next season, as manager Vincenzo Montella is currently planning a mass overhaul after his new side as they will narrowly avoid relegation to the Serie B thanks to their record under former boss Stefano Pioli.

For us, our scouts are thought to have been tracking Oudin, as Rafa Benitez is keen to add further attacking options to the squad over the summer, including Salomon Rondon, whom the young Frenchman could benefit from having alongside in training.

Oudin also seems to be potentially one of the better options currently being linked with the Magpies that fits Ashley’s bill, as he is young, reasonably productive, and should only get better with time.

Standing at 6 ft 1, the Chalons-en-Champagne-born attacker should also offer Benitez another physically imposing option capable of spearheading the squad next season without setting Ashley back another club record fee, should we miss out on Rondon.

Reims’ number 18 does have some work to do before being the perfect option, however, as he has only won 29 of his 83 aerial duels this season, and has lost possession 65 times through unsuccessful touches.

Eight of Oudin’s ten goals also came from within the penalty area, having taken 50 shots in the box. His other two both came from within the six-yard area, where he has so far fashioned eight efforts – none of his 19 shots from outside the box have resulted in a goal.

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