Premier League clubs Newcastle United, West Brom and West Ham United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu after it was claimed he is resisting a big-money approach from China.
Bakambu has impressed since he joined Villarreal from Turkish side Bursaspor for €7.5m and the Yellow Submarine knocked back a bid of €25m from West Ham for the hitman in the summer transfer window earlier this year.
According to Spanish daily El Periodico Meditarraneo, Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan have been in touch to check out what would be needed to sign Bakambu.
The striker's release clause is now €50m and Bakambu knows if he switches to China then he could pocket a hugely lucrative salary.
But it is claimed the DR Congo international striker is cool on interest from China, despite the mammoth pay day it would bring.
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Indeed, Bakambu is aiming to move to a big Premier League club when he concludes his time at Villarreal.
He has continued to be linked with a switch to England, where Newcastle, West Brom and West Ham are mooted as keen on his services.
And if Villarreal are to sell, they will be looking for more than the €40m Manchester United paid for Eric Bailly.
The 26-year-old has scored 14 goals in 20 games for Villarreal this term as he continues to catch the eye.
