Newcastle open talks with Leeds United target Moses Simon

Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Nantes striker Moses Simon over a transfer, amid links to Leeds United.

According to French media outlet But Nantes, the Premier League side have begun negotiations with the striker's entourage over a potential summer move.

Leeds made a move for him in January and are still believed to be interested in signing him in the summer.

Bar the Whites, even Marseille hold an interest in the 26-year-old Nigerian goal machine.

It is understood that Nantes want a fee in the region of £17million to sanction his sale in the summer.

Missing out?

It will be nigh on impossible for Leeds to match with Newcastle's might in the window post the takeover.

The Magpies now have money from the Saudi royal family which means that they could have a Manchester City-esque resurgence to the top of the Premier League.

Even in January, they signed a number of players and that's got them out of a relegation battle.

While Simon would be a terrific addition for Leeds, their chance to sign him may have gone.

In the summer, he's likely to be wanted by a host of clubs after an  “exceptional” set of performances at the African Cup of Nations in January.

His stock is at an all-time high and even if the Whites can pay Nantes' asking rate, they may not be able to match the wages Newcastle will offer.

In other Leeds United news, Steve McManaman claims that a Whites man has already lost the trust of fans after what happened this week.