Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has played down reports that the Magpies are looking to finalise a deal for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko ahead of the January transfer window.
Voetbal Krant had suggested that an agreement with the player over personal terms was “very close” but Howe says that is not the case:
“That’s not the reality (that a deal for Bakayoko is close). We’re not close to sealing any transfer or closing in on any player. For me, It’s been very, very loose discussions.”
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“There hasn’t been many discussions in great depth on January and that’s because we’ve got a lot of games.”
Who is Johan Bakayoko?
The Belgian international has been in decent form for PSV this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists in 21 appearances.
Bakayoko also caught the eye last campaign, when he recorded 28 goal contributions in all competitions, and that led to the forward being linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.
PSV were looking for a fee in excess of €50m (£41m) but no club ended up agreeing a deal to sign the player last summer.
Newcastle need to strengthen their right flank
The Magpies have been targeting players to reinforce the right-hand side of their attack for several transfer windows now but they have not managed to secure one of their targets.
Earlier this season, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo was mentioned as a potential option but his asking price is believed to be too steep, with reports that he could cost as much as £60m. A bid for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has effectively been ruled out for similar reasons.
With that being the case, Bakayoko is seen as a more viable alternative but, based on Howe’s remarks, it doesn’t seem like negotiations are that far advanced.
Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here