FC Twente’s Luuk De Jong had been on Newcastle’s radar for quite some time and the Dutch striker looked set to complete a move to Tyneside this summer. However, Newcastle have apparently slowed down pursuit of the Dutch target man and are currently
focusing on other targets.
The Magpies had been given hope when the striker’s representative revealed that he was ready for a move to another club, with Newcastle being the most likeliest destination.
Luuk has taken the decision to move on," Laros told a magazine. "He wants to develop as a player in a bigger league."
"The important thing for us is the development of Luuk. Not the money, but the way of playing and the amount of playing time he will get will be decisive."
"Luuk scored 25 goals in the Dutch league last season, how many more does he need to score? 35?"
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Netherlands-c753 international scored 25 goals for his club in the Eredivise last season. This prolific scoring form saw him emerge as a major target for many clubs, with Germany’s Borussia Monchengladbach also joining the chase to land his signature.
Newcastle had put in transfer bids worth £8 million and £10 million respectively. FC Twente however, were not willing to let go of the striker for anything less than £15 million when manager Steve McClaren was quoted as saying that De Jong would cost ‘stupid
money’.
"http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luuk-de-Jong-c22956 would stay if it were up to me - unless stupid money is offered.
"The club knows what I think about it."
It is believed that Newcastle even offered to pay the complete transfer fee up front, as is the policy of owner Mike Ashley. Despite that fact, FC Twente were unwilling to show any sort of flexibility and refused to come down from their initial demand of
£15 million.
It is understood that Newcastle are not prepared to match http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Twente-c39233’s current valuation of the striker and have already started focusing on other transfer targets, and it looks as if McLaren will be able to retain the services of his star striker for this
season.
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