Newcastle United are ready to step up their hunt for more transfer targets – and have been told that they are “ahead of the queue” for one of them.
The Magpies are in the midst of a major squad rebuild this summer. Anthony Gordon has been sold to Barcelona for £70 million, and Sandro Tonali has joined Tottenham in a deal worth £100 million including add-ons.
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Eddie Howe has already brought in Bazoumana Touré as Gordon’s replacement on the wing – and now the Toons are ready to speed up the search for a new midfielder.
Newcastle “at the front of the queue” for Manzambi
According to Craig Hope in the Daily Mail , Newcastle United have been told that they are “at the front of the queue” to sign midfielder Johan Manzambi this summer.
Manzambi, who has been described as “incredible”, has been one of the big breakthrough stars in this summer’s World Cup – where he has shone for Switzerland in midfield. Howe has identified him as a player he wants in the squad next season.
Initial talks have taken place between the clubs, and while they have not progressed as some reports have suggested, there is optimism that a deal could be struck to bring the 20-year-old to St. James’ Park.
It is understood that Freiburg’s demands are not an insurmountable obstacle for Newcastle, but there is still some scepticism after the situation with Víctor Muñoz earlier in the window – when they had a deal in place, only for Liverpool to hijack him at the last minute.
Manchester United are among the clubs with a long-standing interest in the player, but the Magpies believe a deal can be done – and plan to make a formal bid soon.
Manzambia: The perfect profile for Newcastle
Howe has made it his trademark to have a team with high intensity, high energy and players who run until they can’t anymore. The most successful midfield of his career has been the combination of Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães over the last few years.
Now Tonali is gone, and Joelinton’s form is not quite at its best. Bringing in Manzambi shows great determination – a bet on a young star who is ready to explode, and who at the same time fits perfectly with the manager’s style of play.
It’s exactly the kind of signing that could convince captain Bruno Guimarães to stay – amid interest from Arsenal – and could help speed up Newcastle’s return to the Champions League.
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