Magpies fall short in attempt to swoop for hitman Plea

NEWCASTLE United are understood to have been £2m light with their bid for Alassane Plea.

An offer of £20m to Nice for the striker

was rejected two weeks ago with Borussia Monchengladbach stealing a march and adding the 25-year-old to their books this week.

Gladbach were actually told to bid over £22m for the player’s services but left the room after the demand from Nice only for the French side to return and accept the offer.

The German side are also believed to have beaten Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham to the deal for Plea. Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl boasted: “We’re extremely glad that this transfer has gone through and we were able to sign Alassane despite a lot of competition from various other well-known clubs.

“Thankfully for us, he wanted to come to Borussia at all costs.

“He’s a versatile, quick and clever forward who has put his talent on full display in Ligue 1 and the Europa League.”

Plea has signed a fiveyear contract with Borussia and will now try to help the club improve on last season’s ninth-place finish.

LEE RYDER