Montpellier HSC president Louis Nicollin has told Newcastle United not to take him for an "idiot" and encouraged an improved offer for Remy Cabella.
The midfielder has long been linked with a switch to St James' Park and the Montpellier chief revealed that he rejected an £8m bid last month.
The Magpies pocketed some £19m from the sale of Yohan Cabaye in January, and Nicollin wants Newcastle to reinvest a chunk of that sum in order to lure Cabella from Ligue 1.
"Yes, the 'great' English club Newcastle has made us an offer of £8m from three weeks ago, which I refused," he told Le Sport 10.
"I do not think Newcastle is right for him, and I also think they are taking us for idiots.
"They sold Yohan Cababye to PSG, for I do not know millions, and they should not take us for fools."
Cabella, 24, is contracted to the French outfit until 2016.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
