Newcastle must DOUBLE Mario Lemina transfer offer to £8m as Nice join race for Southampton midfielder

NEWCASTLE must up their offer if they want to land Southampton’s Mario Lemina.

Saints are open to selling the Gabon midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Fulham.

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Newcastle will have to pay £8m if they want to sign Lemina from[/caption]

But they are holding out for £8million – which is double what the Toon were hoping would land Lemina.

French side Nice are understood to be more open to getting near that figure for a player who cost Saints around £15m back in 2017.

Lemina, 27, made 30 appearances for the relegated Cottagers last term.

His one goal was a belter against Liverpool in March’s 1-0 shock win at Anfield.

Lemina’s price tag may prove to be an issue for the Magpies.

The club’s owner Mike Ashley has already been at loggerheads with the Toon Army after it was revealed he wouldn’t pay more than £4m for the central midfielder.

Ashley is reportedly not keen on splashing out on Lemina due to his age, according the Daily Mail.

He would be open to a swap but that could also prove to be difficult as the Saints aren’t interested in any Newcastle players.

If the Magpies do decide to cough up the cash for Lemina, they’ll have to move fast as Manchester United and Arsenal are also hot on his heels.

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Newcastle fans can still look forward to the possible return of Arsenal star Joe Willock next season.

Toon boss Steve Bruce is said to be intent on bringing him back to St.James’ Park this summer after he had an impressive loan stint there last term.

Willock played a pivotal role in helping the Magpies secure their top-flight status, scoring seven times in the club’s last seven games of the campaign.