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Newcastle United have tabled the “highest” offer for AIK winger Zadok Yohanna, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Reports in the Swedish media have claimed that the Magpies made a proposal in the region of €25m (£22m) for the teenager.
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Plettenberg has confirmed that Eddie Howe’s side are currently in pole position to sign Yohanna, but two other Premier League clubs are also involved.
Brighton already have a “verbal agreement” with the 18-year-old, but they have yet to agree a fee with AIK.
Chelsea have also made a late entrance into the race for Yohanna, so there appears to be a long way to go before this deal is finalised.
What do Newcastle fans need to know about the player?
Yohanna only moved to Sweden in June last year. He had not made his senior debut when he signed, having played in the Ikon Allah academy back home in Nigeria.
The forward made his first appearance for AIK against IFK Gothenburg, coming on as a substitute during a 2–1 defeat.
Yohanna’s first goals came during a Swedish Cup match back in March against BK Hacken. He scored a brace in a 4-0 win.
Nigeria decided to call him up for international duty last month despite his young age, but a hamstring injury prevented him from receiving his first cap.
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The pursuit of Yohanna is part of a new transfer strategy
Recruiting young players from other countries has not exactly been uncommon since PIF’s takeover at the club, but Eddie Howe has generally prioritised signing Premier League-proven players.
However, its seems sporting director Ross Wilson is placing greater emphasis on recruiting those with potential. The Magpies beat several other Premier League teams to the signature of Independiente del Valle’s Johan Martinez.
They have also shown interest in the likes of Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn and Bodo/Glimt’s Mikkel Bro Hansen, and it now appears they are doing all they can to snap up Yohanna.
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