Wilfried Bony set to complete move to Russia.
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Newcastle United and West Ham are set to miss out on transfer target Wilfried Bony with the striker set to complete a big-money move to Russia.
Vitesse Arnhem forward Bony is the Dutch Eredivisie’s top scorer having found the net 18 times already, and that form was what caught the eye of Newcastle United’s chief scout Graham Carr as well as West Ham boss Sam Allardyce.
Source: Sportinglife
He was initially targeted by Newcastle over a move in January, but his international commitments with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations meant they put the interest on hold until the summer as they search for a long-term replacement for Demba Ba.
West Ham, meanwhile, were linked with a £12million move in the summer with Andy Carroll not guaranteed to turn his season-long loan spell from Liverpool into a permanent deal, which the Hammers have first refusal on.
And both Premier League clubs look likely to lose out with Bony expecting to make a move to Russia in the coming weeks before the transfer window closes in the Russian league on February 27.
“I hope to leave this winter. My wishes have not changed,” the 24-year-old told Voetbal International. “Yes, the market in Russia is not open for very much longer, but what can I do? I can only work and wait. Work and wait and hope I get my chance.”