Newcastle Said No To Shaqiri But "There May Be Other Moves" Lined Up
Marseille's Florian Thauvin still remains a realistic transfer target for the Magpies.
Newcastle United are still targeting Marseille's Florian Thauvin but will not make a hugely improved offer, according to HITC Sport.
Newcastle United saw their last offer for the 22-year-old rebuffed by Marseille as they continued to court the French winger this summer.
La Provence claim the Magpies offered £12 million (17 million) plus midfielder Remy Cabella on a season-long loan deal, but that Marseille wanted a fee in the region of £15 million.
HITC Sport reported that the Magpies are prepared to consider another bid for Thauvin after news that the he is supposedly keen on joining the Tyneside club.
Shockingly the midfielder was verbally abused and spat on after Marseilles home defeat to Caen on Saturday night, according to Get French Football News.
A source told HITC Sport that Newcastle did not table a single offer for Xherdan Shaqiri - who has now signed for Stoke City - but said that there "may be other moves" this season but only if they were made on the club's terms.
Thauvin has been eyed as a potential recruit to play out wide for Newcastle in an area of the field in which they lack dynamism.
It was in 2013 that Marseille beat Newcastle to the midfielder's signature - and he has scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 79 appearances since. He has also netted seven times in 10 France Under-21 games.
The 5ft 10in forward can operate in the centre, but usually plays wide in an attacking system or as a winger.