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According to French media outlet Le 10 Sport, Newcastle United are planning to secure the signing of Chelsea transfer target Boubakary Soumare by offering the 20 year old a guarantee of playing time at St James Park.

Newcastle United were close to signing the French footballer in January after Lille accepted a £45 million bid for Soumare but the midfielder turned down the opportunity to move to Newcastle.

Newcastle are reportedly willing to double his salary to £1.67million (€2m) per season after tax and are hoping the midfielder will shun a summer move for Chelsea.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce admitted Soumare rejected a move to the club.

“We had a bid accepted that would nearly have been a transfer record,” Bruce said.

“It was accepted by the club, but unfortunately the player wanted to stay where he was.

“We had the bid accepted but unfortunately the player wanted to stay where he was so you have to accept that.”