Saint-Etienne's Aubameyang Set to Spurn Newcastle for Borussia Dortmund

AS Saint-Etienne completed their most successful campaign of the last few decades with the help of talented striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang had been on the radar of several clubs before this season, but his continued progress as a player increased the level of interest for his services.

Newcastle United has been heavily involved in the Aubameyang chase as reports of a rejected bid (per Daily Mail) for the striker has circulated in the media. Newcastle's inability to close the deal has opened the door for other suitors to make their move and Borussia Dortmund apparently has.

Sky Sports is reporting that Dortmund have moved to the front of the line in the Aubameyang chase. The move for Aubameyang makes sense for Dortmund as his skill set will help ease the loss of Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich.

Aubameyang is an explosive attacker because of his speed and on the ball skills. His versatility allows him to line up anywhere up top as he has had success whether centrally located or on the wing. The attribute that has so many clubs interested in his services is his ability to finish.

Despite Aubameyang's interest in the Premier League, Dortmund can offer him the chance to test his skills in the Champions League. Newcastle United cannot offer European competition at this time and with the makeup of the Premier League will have to greatly improve in order to challenge for a spot next season.

With the chance to play on Europe's biggest stage for a club which has had a great deal of recent success, it is easy to understand Dortmund being the favorite to land Aubameyang. With a move to Germany seemingly imminent, Newcastle may now have to turn to plan B.