Newcastle make an offer for Arouna Kone

Newcastle want Wigan striker Arouna Kone

Newcastle have expressed their interest in signing the 29-year-old Wigan striker Arouna Kone. The release clause of around £6m in the player’s contract has been met by both the Magpies and Everton.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said: “They have both made the offer that could buy Arouna. We gave permission for Everton to speak to him and our first thought was that’s where he wanted to go but Newcastle have now come in.”

The ball looks to be in Kone’s court now to choose between the two clubs.

Wigan’s manager Owen Coyle said: “I’m led to believe through his representative that Everton is the club he wants to join.

“It’s not rocket science to say that Kone will probably leave at some point this week. There have been a number of offers in for him.

“There is no problem. He goes with our blessing because I need players who need to be at Wigan. If his heart’s elsewhere then he’s no good to me.”

Source: BBC