Newcastle United have shown a real interest in Mainz defender Jeremiah St Juste – but Sporting are now in talks to sign him this summer.
Newcastle were in talks to sign St Juste back in January, with the Magpies seeking to sign the Dutchman for around £13million.
The January deadline passed without a deal with Newcastle, but there is still plenty of interest from English clubs.
Fussball Transfers reported in April that Leicester City and West Ham United are also keen to sign St Juste.
Mainz allegedly want a fee of €12million (£10million) for St Juste, which is reasonable for most Premier League clubs.
Yet if those Premier League clubs want to sign St Juste then they need to make their move quickly.
Bild report that Portuguese side Sporting are now in talks to sign St Juste this summer as they seek defensive reinforcements this summer.
However, St Juste is understood to be ‘undecided’ on signing for Sporting even if they have Champions League football.
It’s suggested that St Juste may wait to see what Premier League offers come his way this summer.
A move to England appeals more to St Juste, partly because of the money involved and partly as it’s just a higher standard than Portugal.
This stance gives Newcastle and West Ham real hope of a deal for St Juste, with his indecision leaving Sporting hanging.
St Juste is a rapid defender and you can imagine him meshing well with Dan Burn.
Burn is huge, powerful, dominant, left-footed. St Juste is fast, cultured and right-footed meaning the pair could dovetail perfectly.
The fee wouldn’t be a problem for Newcastle and their January interest surely means a deal is possible.
West Ham need another centre back this summer with Issa Diop’s future unclear and St Juste fits the bill.
West Ham’s Europa League run this season makes them hugely appealing and this is the kind of bargain David Moyes loves.
Sporting may have made the first move for St Juste, but it would almost be a surprise if he did join this summer.
