Newcastle United ‘keen’ on £21m-rated striker as Leeds United see bid rejected

Newcastle United are credited with an interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, despite Leeds United seemingly leading the race for the 20-year-old.

French publication L’Equipe claim the Whites have had an opening £17million bid for Kalimuendo rejected - but are just £4m from meeting PSG’s valuation.

Although Jesse Marsch’s side have moved first for Kalimuendo, they aren’t the only team interested with Inter Milan and Newcastle supposedly keen.

Kalimuendo has spent the last two seasons on loan at Lens in Ligue 1, where he scored 21 goals in 65 appearances.

Reflecting on his loan stint with Lens, saying: “I never had any doubts, because I have a lot of ambition and I want to finish very well here. I want to leave a good mark and Europe would be a good thing.”

The positivity was more than matched by Lens manager Franck Haise as he praised the forward and backed up to progress further.

He said: “Arnaud Kalimuendo has now played 30 more games. This allows him to develop in every aspect. The Kali in a year or five years will be another player.

“Every minute, every goal scored or not scored brings him things. He’s progressed well during these two seasons in Lens.”

Kalimuendo is also a France under-21s international.