The Independent are reporting that Newcastle have tabled an offer for Valenciennes defender Gaetan Bong, according to the French club’s President Jean-Raymond Legrand.
The Magpies’ rumour mill has been on full-flow during this January transfer window with reports linking the North-East club to a number of mid-season signings, including Loic Remy.
However, with Fabricio Coloccini returning from injury this weekend and following the signing of France international Mathieu Debuchy, Bong may be a signing Pardew can do without.
Here’s why we think Newcastle should steer clear:
The Cameroon international has had a minus performance score on nine occasions in Ligue 1 this season, with a cumulative performance score of -13, despite a man-of-the-match performance against Reims at the beginning of December.
- Bong’s game by game Performance Score
The 24-year-old also has more ‘Worst’ Squawka awards then he does ‘Best’ with a total of four, including one worst man of the match, one worth mean in the team, one worst defence and one worst attack.
- Bong‘s Squawka Awards this season
The defender does have an impressive 83% tackle success rate, but has committed 63% of the fouls committed as a result of duels in which he has been actively involved.
- Bong‘s duels this season
Rumours have suggested that Inter Milan might be after Newcastle defender Davide Santon, and Pardew would need to bring in a replacement should Inter get their man, but Gaeton Bong is yet to produce the kind of form you’d expect to warrant interest from the Premier League side.
Find incredible stats and graphs for Gaetan Bong right here
By Nic English
Topics: Bong, Newcastle United, Valenciennes
