£15m striker fee set

FC Twente have told Newcastle they will have to pay £15million if they wish to land star striker Luuk De Jong.

Reports that Newcastle had offered £8million for the Dutch international turned out to be false but Twente have warned the Magpies it will take almost double that if they are considering making a bid. Newcastle are interested in the striker but reports claim they will go no higher than £9.5million and will switch their attentions elsewhere in the search for a new striker if it is not accepted. Transfer fees are usually inflated at this time of the year and Twente will no doubt lower their valuation as the summer progresses, leaving the door open for a move to St James' Park. Meanwhile, Alan Pardew also has to decide whether or not to increase his bid for Lille defender Matthieu Debuchy after the French club rejected his opening offer of £4million. Chelsea and AC Milan are also keen.