NEWCASTLE United have bid for Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone, according to reports.The 29-year-old has a £5m buy-out clause in his contract.
AndRoberto Martinez – who left Wigan to succeed David Moyes at Evertonthis summer – had been expected to sign his former player.
However,a report on the Sports Direct News website – Newcastle owner MikeAshley runs the sportswear firm – claimed United had made a “lateentrance” into the race to sign Kone.
Wigan owner Dave Whelan thisweek told the Wigan Evening Post, the Gazette’s sister paper, thatthree clubs had bid for Kone, who is an Ivory Coast team-mate ofNewcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote.
“Three clubs have made offers for Kone,” said Whelan.
“Everton is one, as he had a clause in his contract that he could go if someone paid £5m. I think he will go to Everton.”
United – who sold Demba Ba to Chelsea in January – are looking to sign a striker this summer.
Theclub this week lost out on Saint-Etienne’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang,who is set to join Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle yesterday sold utility player James Perch to Wigan, who were relegated to the Championship last season.
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-to-rival-everton-for-wigan-striker-s-signature-1-5822459
