'Talks' already held: Leeds and Newcastle now set to battle it out for AFCON playmaker

Newcastle United have emerged as contenders to sign Nantes midfielder Moses Simon this summer, joining Leeds United in the race to acquire his signature.

The 26-year-old is enjoying an impressive spell in France after moving from Levante in 2020, registering six assists in 18 Ligue 1 starts this season, mostly from the left flank.

Simon was described as a ‘very important’ player for Nigeria by manager Gernot Rohr last month, having made four appearances at the Africa Cup on Nations, scoring and assisting once apiece.

Leeds made a ‘strong approach‘ for the attacking midfielder in January but they now reportedly face stiff competition ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to OwnGoalNigeria [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are now also expressing an interest in signing Simon, with the report even claiming that he is their ‘prime target’ this summer.

The report name checks Leeds as being ‘still keen’ on his signature, but claims the Tyneside outfit are now ahead in the race.

They are apparently happy to pay his £20m valuation, even holding ‘talks’ with Nantes already and plotting a £100k-per-week wage packet for the player.

The winger’s current Nantes deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024.

Last season, interest from Newcastle may not have been a concern for Leeds, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side looking like one on the up. However, the Magpies’ newfound wealth means they have the potential to blow other teams out of the water with regards to transfers.

They could likely offer higher wages than the Whites – no Leeds player tops £100k-per-week – immediately making them favourites to sign him, and the lure of possible future successes could also give them the edge.

Perhaps Simon will see the appeal of working under