Newcastle United haven’t given up on signing Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo late in this window.
The Magpies were to return with a improved €60m with bonuses offer on Tuesday, after Lille rejected their €40m bid.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered a report from Belgium explaining that there’s a €10m gap. Lille president Olivier Létang is demanding €70m, and it’s unclear whether Newcastle United are willing to match it.
Newcastle United still keen
Foot Mercato reports Matthias Jaissle’s side want to recruit the striker, who can also play on the left wing.
The outlet again mentions Olivier Létang’s €70m demand. Matias Fernandez-Pardo took to social media to share his views on the media speculations surrounding his future.
“Very disappointed to see so many lies and falsehoods circulating in the press. God is great. In time, the truth always comes out,” he said, relayed by Foot Mercato.
Door not closed for forward’s exit
Thursday’s print edition of L’Equipe also covers the Premier League side’s pursuit of the Belgium international and share more updates.
His contract is until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €35m. The attacker is clear that he wants a move and has already expressed his desire to Lille since returning from the World Cup.
Newcastle United have been pursuing him and ‘continue to push’ to secure his services.
Faced with the possibility of losing Matias Fernandez-Pardo, the French club have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Martin Terrier as his replacement. He previously had a spell at Lille and is open to returning to the club.
Olivier Létang has close ties with Terrier and the two have been in regular contact. The president is keen on signing the Frenchman on loan, while the finances make his signing complicated.
The Bundesliga side aren’t letting him leave easily, and his salary is beyond the Ligue 1 side’s reach.
L’Equipe states: ‘The move is therefore not a hot topic at this time, but the end of the transfer window can always hold surprises, especially since Newcastle continue to push for Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Lille will only agree to a move under two conditions: finding a suitable replacement within his salary cap and then obtaining a fair transfer fee.’
