Just over a week ago, we covered an article in the Belgian press claiming Newcastle had sent a scout to watch KV Mechelen against Charleroi.
At the time, we suggested the two targets were probably taking a look at both Cristian Benavente and Hassan Bandé.
The latter of the two has been a revelation in the Jupiler Pro League this season, scoring nine goals in 13 appearances so far, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Rafa Benitez was indeed keeping an eye on him, with his side struggling to score regularly in the Premier League.
Well, DH on Wednesday mention the Magpies again in their coverage of the whole thing, but put them up against some tough competition, such as Wolfsburg, Köln, Sevilla, Valencia and Benfica.
If it comes down to money, then Newcastle will be laughing, as Mechelen’s president wants around €4m in January (which is a lot for them) for his starlet, an amount seen as pocket change by most Premier League sides.
However, with other Anderlecht, Club Brugge and PSV also in the hunt, with the latter two said to be favourites, it could be a tough ask for Newcastle to convince the forward a move to England so early is best for him.
That, and the fact it would be less of a big jump for the youngster, who still has plenty of development left to do.
