Thursday, 10th January, 2013
Valenciennes president Jean-Raymond Legrand has confirmed that English Premier League side Newcastle United have made an offer for defender Gaetan Bong – but insists he will not be pressured into selling the Cameroon international.
Newcastle are looking to reinforce their squad during the current transfer window and have already raided the French market for Mathieu Debuchy, snapping up the right-back from Lille.
And now the Magpies have slapped in an offer for 24-year-old Bong.
"Newcastle have always been very interested. They have made an offer. We expected that", Legrand told Le 10 Sport.
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"But I am not going to panic.
"I will not sell players if I cannot replace them. We need to have a team for the second half of the season.
"It’s not just about selling. It is necessary to find players who can help us have a good second half of the season."
Valenciennes have enjoyed a superb season so far and Legrand is desperate not to compromise their chances.
Coach Daniel Sanchez has steered the side to sixth in Ligue 1 at the halfway point, within touching distance of a European spot.
Bong has made 12 appearances in Ligue 1 for Valenciennes so far this season and has a contract which runs until 2014.
A left-back by trade, Bong can also operate in the centre or at a push as a defensively-minded midfielder.
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