Magpies Linked with Nice Attacking midfielder
Eric Bautheac (Left)
Bautheac, who joined Nice from Dijon who were relegated from Ligue 1 last season, has been in cracking form and so far this term in 31 games scored 7 goals and has assisted in 7 goals too. He is Nice’s 2nd top goal scorer behind the argentine Dario Cvitanich. Even last year at Dijon he excelled and scored 3 and assisted in 5 in 34 appearances for a side that were eventually relegated.
These kinds of performances have now alerted the likes of Marseille, Lazio and Newcastle of the player’s talents.
Bautheac’s strengths include his ability to take exceptional set pieces, he is extremely good at direct free kicks and he is also a good passer as well as a good crosser of the ball. He can not only play down the middle but also on either wing as well. Newcastle could certainly do with a player like him having failed to score from a corner for close to 18 months.
The player is aware of all the suppose interest, this is what he told L’Equipe about the possibility of a move:
“Of course it’s flattering when a club like Newcastle, OM or Lazio are following me, but I signed a three-year contract with Nice,”
“I really want to experience the new stadium so I will do all I can to still be here next season. But we will have to see what the directors want.”
The player has said all the right things; we know the financial muscle of other clubs it would not be surprising to see him fly off Nice’s nest. With Newcastle’s penchant for shopping in France, we would not be surprised if tNewcastle were indeed in for him. However, midfield is one area where they remain decently stocked.
We highlighted Bautheac as one of top talents that the magpies should scout in our article – 10 Frenchmen that Newcastle Should Scout – Part 1 a few months ago and it looks like clubs are starting to take note.
Have any of our readers seen him play? Would he fit the mould of our team?
The Spectator's View 
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