Newcastle given clearer path to sign striker – Reported competition ‘aren’t planning to make an offer’

Over the past 24 hours or so, rumours have emerged that Newcastle United are among a handful of clubs interested in Iker Bravo.

The striker is currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen at Real Madrid, who do have an option to buy, but that hasn’t stopped the English media from lumping the Magpies in the mix.

Newcastle are clearly an easy choice to get transfer stories going, and while they might really be interested in the 18-year-old, one of the other clubs named are not.

That’s according to Foot Marseille, who asked around after the story claimed the Ligue 1 side and Liverpool were providing competition in the race to sign the forward.

They state that Marseille ‘have not written down the name of Iker Bravo’ in their notebook, and those in charge of transfers ‘aren’t planning on making an offer’ to try and sign the player.

Mostly because they first need to sort out the CAS case involving Pape Gueye and Watford, which could see them face some sanctions if the outcome doesn’t go in their favour.

That’s good news for Newcastle, however, as that would mean a bit less competition in the fight to sign Bravo, giving them a clearer path to get a deal done if they are ready to gamble on the youngster, who has five goals and three assists for Castilla this season.