By Wayne Veysey

26th Jul, 2022 | 11:11am

Sources: Newcastle United and Leicester City in race to sign Ludovic Ajorque

Newcastle United, Leicester City and Crystal Palace are plotting moves for Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, sources have told Football Insider.

The 6ft 5in forward, 28, is a target for a number of clubs across Europe after impressing last season in Ligue 1.

The French club’s president Marc Keller has given intermediary, Mark McKay, the mandate to sell the player to interested parties.

The forward currently has two years left on his contract at Strasbourg.

Ajorque joined the Ligue 1 club in 2018 from top-flight French side Clermont Foot for a fee of around £2million.

Newcastle, Leicester and Palace are all keen to bolster their attacking options before the close of the transfer window and they are aware that Ajorque is keen on a move to the Premier League.

The player’s suitors are set to watch him in action against Liverpool this weekend in a pre-season friendly at Anfield.

Ajorque was one of the best attackers in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in 36 games for lowly Strasbourg.

He has hit the ground running again in pre-season and was outstanding in Strasbourg’s recent friendly with Brentford.

The forward scored both of his side’s goals in the 2-2 draw with the Premier League club.

Ajorque has made 122 appearances in the French top flight throughout his career.

During those outings he has scored 45 goals and provided 17 assists.

In other news, it can be revealed that revealed Preston North End have agreed to sign Man United starlet Alvaro Fernandez.