Report: Newcastle United and West Ham United both now keen to sign ‘breathtaking’ attacker, his club want him out

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Newcastle United and West Ham United are both keen on signing Rennes forward Gaetan Laborde, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The report suggests that Rennes working on trying to sell Laborde and fellow forward Martin Terrier this summer.

The two English clubs are interested in the French forward who Newcastle have reportedly been tracking for months.

Described by Homme du Match as being ‘breathtaking since his arrival at Stade Rennais’, new recruits – including former Leeds target Arnaud Kalimuendo – mean the French side now need Laborde to leave.

Laborde scored 12 goals and provided eight assists last season as Rennes narrowly missed out on the Champions League places in Ligue 1.

Newcastle and West Ham keen on Laborde

Both English clubs have been looking to bring in centre-forwards this summer.

West Ham have already strengthened their forward line, signing Gianluca Scamacca for £35.5m.

Alongside Michail Antonio, the Hammers have two very strong options, although they’ve started the season with three straight defeats, and neither player has scored a league goal.

Newcastle have been much more active in looking for a striker in the last few weeks, with Moise Kean, Joao Pedro and Sasa Kalajdzic just some of the names recently linked with a move.

Alan Shearer has also suggested that Callum Wilson won’t be able to play 90 minutes every week, and so having an upgrade on Chris Wood available would be ideal for Eddie Howe.

Laborde certainly represents this upgrade, as a consistent scorer in France’s top-flight, and European experience.

Laborde was one of the top scorers in last season’s inaugural Europa Conference League, scoring five goals in seven games.

Newcastle and West Ham are both keen on Laborde but have European competition to content with, but with Rennes so keen to sell, a good deal should be available.