Lille coach Rudi Garcia has confirmed that Newcastle have made a bid for their France international full-back Mathieu Debuchy.
Rudi Garcia says Magpies must be thinking of a different player
Lille coach Rudi Garcia has confirmed that Newcastle United have made a bid for their France international full-back Mathieu Debuchy.
However, the Ligue 1 outfit have been quick to shun the offer of £4million for the right-back insisting that they must be thinking of a different player.
Newcastle have been on Debuchy's trail for months as they seek a new right-back with Danny Simpson set to leave the club.
Alan Pardew's side have now made their move for Debuchy, who has been particularly impressive for France in their opening two Euro 2012 games.
Debuchy's performances have seen the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valencia and Inter Milan all linked and the latter were even reported to have lodged a bid last week.
This has seemingly pushed Newcastle into making a bid and they have now lodged a €5million offer (£4million) which looks to fall short of Lille's valuation - which is reported to be nearer £6million.
Speaking to French website
20 minutes, Garcia insisted the club are not looking to sell.
Torn
"He is torn between staying with us and playing in the Champions League in our new stadium or going elsewhere," admitted Garcia.
"If he does go and it is a sporting progression, then we will be happy to see him evolve - but we have not planned to replace him."
Garcia quipped that Newcastle must have bid for the wrong player as their offer was nowhere near enough.
"But I do believe that Newcastle have faxed an offer of £4million - but they must have the wrong player," he joked.
Garcia insists that Debuchy's rise to prominence on the back of his European Championship displays has not shocked him.
"No [they haven't surprised me], as he plays with France as he does with us, he plays high and attacks but defensively is also very rigorous and he exudes confidence," said Garcia.
"Without insulting Reveillere and Sagna, he is trying to show he should always be right-back for France."
