German Striker Back In Newcastle Crosshairs After Transfer Breakdown
Hertha Berlin have upped their asking price for the forward.
Matthias Schrader/AP/Press Association ImagesPierre-Michel Lassoga is back in Newcastle's transfer crosshairs after his move to Hamburg broke down after Hertha Berlin upped their asking price for the forward. We reported last week that Lasogga's switch to the Imtech Arena had hit a snag after Die Rothosen were gripped by boardroom unrest despite agreeing a deal that would see them pay a fee of £6million plus Norwegian international Per Skjelbred. But news from the Chronicle today indicates that Hertha are now demanding £9.5m for the Germany under-21 international which effectively puts to bed cash-strapped Hamburg's hopes of signing Lasogga permanently following a productive season on loan at the Bundesliga strugglers in 2013/14. And after opting not to sign free agent Bafetimbi Gomis this week it doesn't surprise that Newcastle are once again being linked with Lasogga. Having already held talks with the 22-year-old over a move to St James' Park - where it's rumoured he walked out on negotiations after balking at the personal terms we offered - and it's understood United will stipulate that he drop his 3million per year wage demands. However, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will look to exploit Hamburg's financial woe by pinching Lasogga from under their noses. However, we're not entirely convinced Mike Ashley will return to the table with a bid that matches Hertha's new valuation given the Gladbeck-born striker has only a year left on his contract and is his pining for a return to Hamburg. We'll chalk this one down as a non-starter.