Sochaux have confirmed that Newcastle United have made a much anticipated bid for prized winger, Modibo Maiga.
The Magpies were accused of ‘tapping up’ the Mali international earlier in the month, but now it seems the deal could go through regardless of any indecency that may have occurred.
However, Sochaux chairman, Alexander Lacombe, says that the club will not sell one of their brightest stars without first finding a replacement, thought to be Leeds United’s Max Gradel.
Gradel is an Ivory Coast international and is suspected of being open to the move.
Lascombe stated: “There has been an offer from them (Newcastle) but my goal is to maintain a competitive team. I won’t sell Modibo without having found a replacement.”
The chairman of the Ligue 1 outfit went on to claim that the Gradel talks are at an ‘”advanced stage”.
It’s understood that Newcastle have offered £7m for Maiga’s services.