Newcastle expected to miss out on 19-year-old despite Magpies approach – Has made his mind up

Despite Newcastle United being very interested in Alan Virginius, the young player has decided to stay in France.

The forward, who was the start of the show for his country at the recent U19 Euros, was reportedly a target for the Magpies, with talk of Sochaux wanting around €10m for their starlet.

However, the price could be far lower than that, as the player has decided to pass on a move to Newcastle and other clubs abroad to stay closer to home, with Lille.

This is what L’Equipe are reporting on Friday, stating Virginius has decided to head north to the Ligue 1 side, with the two clubs set to start talks soon.

It’s said he wants ‘to stay in France despite approaches from abroad’, with Newcastle, Anderlecht and Bayer Leverkusen all mentioned.

Nice, Lille and Lorient were the other interested parties, and it’s the second on that list where he is likely to head, despite them yet to make an offer.

That, though, could change in the next few days, with a deal between €3-4m expected to happen.