Newcastle United are willing to pay £17 million and £100,000-per-week for Moses Simon, but the Nantes winger would want to stay in France beyond the summer, according to Own Goal Nigeria.

Following Simon’s brilliant performance in Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations triumph against eventual runners-up Egypt last month, reports surfaced that Newcastle had previously passed down the chance to sign the quick-footed winger. 

Simon is in top form, and he added a superb free-kick winner against Reims last weekend to his stellar displays at the AFCON.

Newcastle have agreed a £17 million agreement with Nantes ahead of the summer transfer season, according to Own Goal Nigeria. The first £12.5 million will be paid in cash, with the remaining funds coming via add-ons.

Furthermore, they’re willing to pay Simon £100,000-a-week, making him of their best-paid players.

The former Levante UD and KRC Genk forward admitted that Leeds United tried to sign him during the January window. 

“My agent told me about some offers. Leeds came calling with strong offer and (it was my) intention of sealing the deal immediately,” says the 26-year-old. 

“My club want me to finish the season with FC Nantes. And I really want to contribute to ensure we secure a Europa League ticket at the end of the season. We are pushing hard for that.” 

Leeds are said to have not given up hope of obtaining Simon’s signature. Marcelo Bielsa, as Dan James discovered last summer, does not give up on his top targets easy.

However, the in-demand attacker would love to remain in Ligue 1 for the time being. Six French clubs have expressed an interest in the deal.

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