NEWCASTLE have explored a potential move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to help plug the gap left by Bruno Guimaraes.
Marseille want £15million for the Dane, who scored five goals in 43 games last season and made over 250 Premier League appearances across spells at Southampton and Tottenham.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has emerged as a surprise target for Newcastle Credit: AFP
Newcastle have sold Sandro Tonali and are about to sell Bruno Guimaraes Credit: Getty
But SunSport understands Toon are looking at closer to £12m for the 31-year-old.
Mags bosses are also assessing other options as they look to offset a summer of painful losses.
‘s £100m move to Tottenham at the beginning of July left a gaping hole in Newcastle’s midfield.
And Guimaraes’ imminent to has landed Toon with an even bigger rebuild job.
That prospect was too much for manager to face as he quit St James’ Park last week.
New boss Matthias Jaissle will lead the Saudi-owned club through an uncertain period after leaving to take the job.
And the 38-year-old has done his best to put anxious fans’ minds at ease.
He said: “When Newcastle come your way you take notice.
“The ambition of the club, the vision for the future and the opportunity ahead made this an incredibly compelling place to be.
“I am incredibly excited about the future.
“I fully and unreservedly believe in this project, the ambition and the direction the club is taking.
“There is a clear vision, strong leadership and an exceptional platform to build on.”