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Newcastle United are making progress in their pursuit of Nantes winger Moses Simon, whom they are aiming to beat Leeds United to, per reports in France.

Moses Simon recently revealed he was the subject of interest from Leeds in January. Since then, links with a move to the Premier League have persisted. The Nigerian has been tipped to be targeted by Newcastle.

That idea has been verified by But Football Club, who claim Newcastle have identified Simon as someone who can help them become “less dependent” on Allan Saint-Maximin.

Although there are other targets like Jeremy Doku of Rennes, or Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle’s interest in Simon is becoming more concrete.

In fact, the report claims that the Magpies have made their opening advances to Simon. They have told his entourage what they would be willing to offer in terms of a salary – at least as a starting point.

But Football Club can also reveal that Simon’s current club Nantes are seeking €20m for his transfer. Newcastle are not the only ones who could pay it.

While Leeds “remain in position” for Simon, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille have also become a competitor for his transfer.

Newcastle will be hoping their financial might can help them win the battle for Simon if they decide to choose him as their next winger target.

Moses Simon to seal Newcastle transfer?

With Premier League survival looking more and more likely, they should be an appealing destination for many players as they aim to keep building their new project.

Five players arrived in January, which was their first chance to re-shape their squad under their new Saudi owners. More money will be spent – even if not to a crazy degree, per club director Amanda Staveley – in the summer.

It appears some of those funds could be heading in Nantes’ direction to free up Simon for a summer switch.

The 26-year-old has scored three goals and provided seven assists from 22 Ligue 1 appearances this season. He also went to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in January, scoring in one of his four appearances.

With a contract expiring in 2024, it may be time for him to move on from Nantes. That said, they still have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe.

Bigger things are on the horizon for Newcastle if all goes to plan in the years to come. Therefore, joining them could be the start of a big adventure.

READ MORE: Newcastle boost as Serie A-linked star insists his ‘priority’ is to agree a new contract

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