Spanish eyes are on Lejeune
NEWCASTLE United defender Florian Lejeune is wanted by Sevilla – but the Magpies will resist any attempts by the La Liga outfit to lure the Frenchman back to Spain.
Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles is the United centre-back who has been most heavily linked with a move this summer, but his defensive partner Lejeune is now being sought by former Europa League champions Sevilla.
According to Estadio Deportivo, newly-appointed Sevilla head coach Pablo Machin – who worked with Lejeune at Girona during the 2015/16 campaign – is keen to be reunited with the Frenchman.
However, Rafa Benitez has been impressed by Lejeune’s progress during his first year in the Premier League and believes the centreback has all the attributes to flourish in England. He will therefore not countenance selling Lejeune, unless an astronomical offer arrives this summer.
Lejeune was one of Benitez’s first-choice signings last year and, after injury affected his performances during the latter part of 2017, the Frenchman shone during the second half of United’s campaign and helped guide Newcastle to a 10th-placed finish.
His ball-playing ability and calmness in possession make him the perfect foil for captain Lascelles, and the pair have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Newcastle’s defence.
It is claimed that Machin is keen to bring Lejeune – who United signed from Eibar for £8.8million last summer – to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium to replace Clement Lenglet, who is expected to join Barcelona.
But Newcastle will not even consider selling Lejeune unless a huge bid is launched this summer, given that the Frenchman still has four years remaining on his Magpies deal.