Report: Newcastle and West Ham join Tottenham in race to sign Mbaye Niang

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French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Newcastle United and West Ham United have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Rennes striker Mbaye Niang this summer, after an excellent 2019-20 campaign.

Niang, 25, has scored 15 goals in 36 league and cup appearances for Rennes this season – even netting in a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the season. Niang has enjoyed two excellent campaigns for Rennes.

Indeed, the 15-time Senegal international scored 14 goals in 44 last season – as well as adding seven in assists. L’Equipe claimed last month Tottenham are rivalling Andre Villas-Boas’ Marseille for the ex-Watford loanee.

Now, the latest report states Rennes have rejected an offer from Qatari side Al-Duhail worth in the region of £13.5million. It is claimed Rennes want £18million, with Newcastle and West Ham now interested.

TBR’s view – Tottenham need him, but Newcastle best move

Niang is a completely different player from the one many may remember seeing turn out for Watford on loan. The former AC Milan speed machine has reinvented himself at Rennes as an out-and-out striker.

It has seen Niang be able to run in behind, but also use his added strength to hold the ball-up and bring others into play. Added confidence has seen the goals come, and certainly, he is considered one of Rennes’ best players.

At £18million, he is cheap. Tottenham need him as cover for Harry Kane, but a move to Newcastle would see Niang become the club’s first-choice striker. A move to Tyneside is the best option.