Alassane Plea wanted to come to Borussia Monchengladbach “at all costs” despite interest from “various other well-known clubs”, claims the Bundesliga outfit’s sporting director.
Newcastle United had a £20million bid rejected by Nice last month, and were eventually pipped to the Frenchman’s signature by Gladbach - who paid £22m to the Ligue 1 side - with the Magpies having failed to match the German club’s highest offer.
West Ham United, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur were among the other Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Plea.
Yet seemingly the 25-year-old striker wanted to move to Germany - despite sources in France suggesting Plea was also keen to link up with Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park.
“We’re extremely glad that this transfer has gone through and we were able to sign Alassane despite a lot of competition from various other well-known clubs,” Gladbach’s sporting director Max Eberl said after the club unveiled Plea on Friday.
“Thankfully for us, he wanted to come to Borussia at all costs. He’s a versatile, quick and clever forward who has put his talent on full display in Ligue 1 and the Europa League.”
Newcastle must now switch their attention to alternative striker targets, with West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon still interesting Benitez.