Report: PL giants firm on £14m midfielder price tag, Benitez makes Newcastle request
By Russell Edge
Manchester City are set to stand firm on their £14million asking price for midfielder Fabian Delph amid interest from a host of Premier League sides, according to a report.
The Sun claim on their website that the midfielder is on the transfer list at the Etihad Stadium as he does not play a part in Pep Guardiola’s first team plans.
However, despite their willingness to sell this summer, the Sky Blues are not going to let him depart for less than their valuation, having reportedly rejected a £10million bid from Stoke City earlier this month.
He has made 40 appearances for the club since his arrival from Aston Villa in 2015, but it appears that the nine-time-capped England international’s future at the club is looking bleak.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is said to be keen on securing the services of the 27-year-old as he looks to boost his squad ahead of their Premier League return.
The Magpies have seen four names through the door at St James’ Park this summer, with Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune, Jacob Murphy and Javier Manquillo all joining Benitez and his side, although there has been no reinforcement in the centre of midfield.
However, that looks set to change imminently, with a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino said to be completed in the next 24 hours.
Football Insider verdict
A fee of £14million for a Premier League proven midfielder seems to be the asking price in this summer market, but whether Rafa Benitez sees that as good value or not is another matter. Newcastle are lacking behind the majority of the other top flight sides in terms of finances, as a result of missing out on the huge television money introduced last season. Manchester City know that most clubs will be able to afford £14million, but their asking price might just blow Newcastle out of the water for this one. That money could be invested much more wisely overseas, and while the Magpies run the risk of not bringing in proven talent, Benitez and his scouting team will undoubtedly do the research to prevent a flop.
In other Newcastle transfer news, the Magpies could see a swap deal for this Premier League goalkeeper.
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