Three Alternatives For Nicolas Pepe Who Newcastle Can Target
Newcastle United have received a blow to their transfer plans as one of their key targets, Nicolas Pepe, has decided to snub them to move to French club Lille for a £7million transfer fee.
The Angers attacker had emerged as one of manager Rafael Benitez’s priority in the summer transfer window, after several months of closely watching and monitoring the youngster. However, the 22-year old has decided to stay in France. Pepe did not have the greatest seasons for Angers, as he managed just 3 goals and 2 assists from 39 games in all competitions last season. But it was his potential that had gotten Newcastle’s interest peaked.
However, now that they have lost the chance to sign him, here are three alternatives that the Magpies can target instead of the 22-year old Ivory Coast international.
Tom Ince
The 25-year old is reportedly on Rafael Benitez’s shortlist (Mirror) and with fellow promoted club Huddersfield Town also interested, they need to act quickly to swoop in for the winger.
Ince has been a consistent performer in the Championship for Derby County and finished the season as their top scorer with an impressive tally of 15 goals and 8 assists from 50 appearances across all competitions. Newcastle have seen the attacking midfielder from close quarters and were plotting a move for him in January as well. Now, Derby are believed to be willing to sell him and have reportedly set a £10million price tag on the England youth international, and the Magpies should act swiftly.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh
The 23-year old was one of the best wide players in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, playing for AZ Alkmaar, helping them to a 6th-placed finish in the table and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Jahanbakhsh managed to find the back of the net on 12 occasions for his side and also set up 10 more strikes from 43 games in all competitions. A full Iranian international, with 23 caps for his team, the winger has shown great promise at a young age. He is fast, is a good dribbler of the ball and as seen by the numbers last season, contributes heavily with goals and assists for the team. Able to play on either flank, Jahanbakhsh does provide an added option to the manager, and is someone that Newcastle should consider looking at.
Rachid Ghezzal
The 25-year old wide man will be a free agent in a week after his contract with French side Olympique Lyon expires and has attracted interest from Premier League side Everton along with Italian club AS Roma (Talksport).
Ghezzal scored 3 goals and notched up 7 assists from 38 matches in the league and cup competitions combined, playing an important hand in Lyon’s 4th position finish in the Ligue1. His ability to play anywhere across the attacking midfield area, combined with the eye for threading a ball into the right areas for his teammates to feed on are key facets of his game. He may not be on top of the wishlist for Newcastle, but the fact that he will be available for free is something that should convince them to take a gamble on Ghezzal.