Newcastle United sent a high-ranking scout to watch “unplayable” Premier League player in action earlier this week, according to a promising transfer update.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies are absolutely flying at the moment, in their most potent form during Eddie Howe’s entire tenure as manager.
That’s not to say new signings won’t be welcome at Newcastle in the January transfer window, however, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo still being linked with a move to St James’ Park. He scored in his side’s 2-2 draw away to Chelsea in midweek, taking him to six goals in the Premier League this season.
Zion Suzuki is also reportedly considered a transfer target for the Magpies, with the Parma goalkeeper seen as an alternative option for James Trafford between the sticks. The Japanese made only 22 years 19. Serie A begins for his current club this season.
Newcastle have even been linked with a bold move for the Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskheliaalthough a move to Paris Saint-Germain now looks very likely this month and is even thought to be undergoing a medical at the Ligue 1 giants.
Newcastle send Nickson to watch the “unplayed” ace
According to Chronicleis Lee Ryder, Newcastle have sent chief scout Steve Nickson to monitor Brentford winger Bryan Mbeum in action against Manchester City on Tuesday night, as they drew 2-2 at home to the Premier League champions.
Ryder says the fact he was present in midweek is “a positive sign ahead of the summer” and the wide man is potentially seen as a primary target, as they look to sign the top right-back. The Bees want £50m for his services, but they are not entertaining offers in January.
At the moment, Mbeumo does indeed appear to be Newcastle’s top target this summer, and it’s no shock that he is seemingly rated so highly. The £45,000 a week The Cameroonian is enjoying a fantastic season for Brentford, scoring 13 goals in 21 appearances in the league, with Thomas Frank describing him as “unplayed”.
His manager has been a fan for some time, and 2022 also said of him: “I have to say he’s brilliant. He’s been brilliant for us this year in the Premier League. He came back from a minor injury, we knew he wanted to play ready for Tuesday. And three quality finishes, very composed.”
Newcastle feel so close to having such a complete squad under Howe, with a perfectly balanced midfield and Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak excelling in attack. While Jacob Murphy is also in excellent form at right-back, he needs to find a superior replacement going forward, filling the void left by the departure of Miguel Almiron at the same time.
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Semenyo is a great option for Newcastle, but Mbeumo should be seen as an excellent choice, providing such a consistent end product from his role on the right wing, and at 25, he still has many years ahead of him.
