Newcastle and Bournemouth to battle for French wing sensation Samuel Grandsir
Rafa Benitez said to have opened talks over a possible January deal for wide man but faces competition from relegation rivals from the South Coast as they look to strengthen squads next month
NEWCASTLE and Bournemouth are competing for French wing sensation Samuel Grandsir.
The France Under-21 international has been a revelation for Troyes this season, helping the newly-promoted club to mid-table in Ligue 1.
Grandsir has scored two goals, creating four more, and has shone against Paris Saint-Germain and other top-level opponents.
And French media claim Toon and Cherries officials have opened talks with their Troyes opposite numbers about the right winger, 21.
Normandy-born Grandsir joined Troyes from hometown club Evreux in 2012. Under contract until 2019, he has seen his value soar to £4million this season.
Troyes are reluctant to part with their prize asset next month. But despite being based in Champagne country they have more of a brown ale budget - and they will be unable to resist a bid from the Premier League.
Both Newcastle and Bournemouth are in relegation danger, with the Toon in 18th place and the Cherries just one point above the drop zone.
And rival bosses Rafa Benitez and Eddie Howe will hope Grandsir lives up to his name if they can land his signature during the January transfer window.
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They both know they need to add some creative quality to their squads having dropped down the table at an alarming rate in recent weeks.
The resurgence of Crystal Palace and West Ham has suddenly blown the relegation battle wide open in the top flight, with Southampton in 12th just three points clear of the drop zone.
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Benitez takes his side to West Ham this weekend desperate to avoid a fifth straight league defeat which would leave them in the drop zone at Christmas.
The Cherries face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Saturday and if results go against them they could drop into the bottom three.
That would then make the Boxing Day clash with the Hammers a must-win if they are to avoid David Moyes' side starting to pull away from trouble.