Newcastle United in two-horse race to seal £8m deal with forward ‘close to leaving’

Newcastle United are preparing an offer for French youngster Alan Virginius but face competition from two other clubs for the Sochaux forward.

The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive season in France’s second tier as he scored five goals and provided two assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for United’s former UEFA Cup opponents.

His form led to a maiden call-up to the France Under-19 squad and the winger has taken to life at international level by scoring five goals and laying on seven assists in his first 14 caps.

His return at domestic and international level has brought significant interest in his services with Newcastle said to be monitoring his progress throughout the second half of last season.

Belgian side Club Brugge and Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen are also said to be keen on Virginius, who is now said to be ‘close to leaving’ Sochaux according to reports in France.

News outlet Le10 Sport has reported Newcastle are ‘ready to send’ an offer between £4million and £8million to land the highly-rated youngster.

The report goes on to state the Magpies will now enter ‘a final duel’ with Leverkusen as they look to secure a deal for the talented winger.

Virginius currently has one year remaining on his current deal with Sochaux and could be available for a cut-price fee as there are no signs of negotiations over a new contract.