Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastien Kehl has issued an update on the future of Chelsea target Youssoufa Moukoko. The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Bundesliga outfit as he enters the final six months of his deal.
According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle United made a 'substantial verbal approach' for the striker, leapfrogging the Blues in their pursuit. The report states that Moukoko is thought to have discussed a deal worth over £ 150,000 a week to join Eddie Howe's side on a free transfer once his deal at the Signal Iduna Park expires in the summer.
However, despite interest from Newcastle and Chelsea, who are thought to be two of several clubs interested in the Germany international, Dortmund are eager to tie down the teenage sensation to a new contract themselves. And, according to Kehl, the German giants have tabled a 'very attractive' offer to Moukoko.
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Speaking to German outlet Kicker, as quoted by The Shields Gazette, the Dortmund chief said: "We have put together a very attractive offer that gives him a lot of room for development.
"That should lead to a decision. He has to make it with his environment and his advisor. Youssoufa can now accept this offer and commit to Borussia Dortmund - or we will go our separate ways.
"I would like him to choose us because he is not yet at the end of his development and I see potential in him. But there are limits for us as a club. And we have shown these limits. Now it's up to him to confess in a timely manner."
As aforementioned, Newcastle were willing to offer Moukoko a wage in the region of £ 150,000 a week. However, according to The Northern Echo, Dortmund would only be willing to offer £ 85,000 a week.
Less than a week ago, the German side's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky Sports Germany that there's a lack of 'gratitude' in football when quizzed on the future of the £26.2million-rated striker's future. He said: "I started 18 years ago with the proviso that there might be a little gratitude from time to time, but I’ve given up on that a long time ago.
"Gratitude is not a currency in professional football. Sadly, that really is the case. But I won’t hold that against anyone, because the business is simply the way it is.
"I don’t think the whole process is very normal. The difference is that he’s 18 years old now and he was at the World Cup and that makes it even more public.
"It’s totally legitimate that he is now trying to get a good position for himself. But it is also legitimate that we have our own ideas.
"If they do not coincide then the cooperation will not be continued. That is the ultimate consequence – but of course, we hope that he will stay with us."
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