Report: Club bids £13.5m for Newcastle-linked 6ft 4in gem, named one of world’s top youngsters in March

Add as preferred source on Google

Reported Newcastle United target Benoit Badiashile is said to have been the subject of a £13.5million bid by a rival suitor, according to RMC Sport.

A month ago, the same outlet reported that the Magpies would move for the 19-year-old Monaco defender, providing that their takeover materialises.

The £300million Saudi-led takeover bid has been agreed in principle, but Newcastle are still waiting for Premier League acceptance, so it’s difficult for any plans to be made at present.

Amid the current state of affairs on Tyneside, other clubs appear to have been trying their luck with regards to signing Badiashile.

Last week, L’Equipe du Soir claimed that Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen were in “advanced talks” over a deal to sign the 6ft 4in defender.

Now, RMC Sport has suggested that Rennes have bid £13.5million for Badiashile, a player who was reported a year ago to have a £35million price tag (L’Equipe).

Somewhat predictably, Monaco are reported to have rejected Rennes’ bid for a player who only just penned a new contract last year, tying him to the club until 2024.

RMC Sport also claims that Manchester United are also in the running, as are Valencia and Leverkusen.

TBR View:

Badiashile enjoyed a superb breakthrough season in 2019-20, making 20 appearances in all competitions – including 16 in Ligue 1 – and establishing himself as one of France’s best youngsters.

So much so, in fact, that Goal.com ranked him at number 31 in their list of the world’s 50 best youngsters, which came out at the end of March.

However, Newcastle’s hands remain tied behind their back at present, unable to move forward until the takeover is completed – and other teams may well swoop in ahead of them.