Lucas Bergvall already looks like one of the smartest young signings Tottenham have made in years, so it is no surprise Newcastle are refusing to give up on bringing him to St James' Park.
At just 20, the Sweden international has shown enough to convince several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, that he has the potential to become one of Europe's leading midfielders.
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The first thing that stands out is how quickly he has adapted.
After joining Tottenham from Djurgården in 2024, Bergvall made 45 appearances in his debut season, playing a key role in Spurs' run to Europa League glory before an ankle injury cruelly ruled him out of the semi-final and final.
His performances were so impressive that supporters voted him Player of the Season, making him the first teenager since Glenn Hoddle to win the club's main fan awards.
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He made his senior debut in Sweden at just 16, helped Brommapojkarna win promotion, impressed during a full season with Djurgårdens and became a full Sweden international before arriving in England.
For Newcastle, the attraction is obvious, and he would also fit PIF's new long-term recruitment model, arriving with top-level experience while still years away from his peak.
Spurs have already rejected several sizeable offers, with the Magpies and Nottingham Forest both thwarted in their attempts to sign Bergvall as Roberto De Zerbi's side aim to keep hold of the Scandinavian.
Sweden's Lucas Bergvall, Jesper Karlstrom, Carl Starfelt and Benjamin Nygren
However, Bergvall is believed to be keen on leaving for guaranteed game time, especially following the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for £185 million.
This could give Howe some encouragement, and they haven't given up by any means.
Newcastle could make new offer for Lucas Bergvall imminently
According to Italian journalist Fabio Gatto on X, Newcastle are preparing to test Tottenham's resolve again after seeing their opening bid rejected.
Gatto claims the gap between the two clubs is not viewed as impossible to bridge and expects the Magpies to return within the next 24 to 72 hours with an improved proposal, focusing on the structure of the deal rather than simply increasing the transfer fee.
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That follows widespread reports that Newcastle's initial offer of around £46 million was turned down, despite exceeding previous bids from Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham have so far resisted every approach, although reports suggest they would consider selling if their valuation is eventually met.
Newcastle's determination highlights just how highly Bergvall is rated inside St James' Park.
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After missing out on several midfield targets in recent windows, Howe appears keen to land a player capable of becoming a long-term fixture in his side.
Whether Tottenham soften their stance remains to be seen, but one thing is already clear. Newcastle believe Bergvall is worth fighting for, and this transfer saga may still have plenty of twists before the window closes.
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The Magpies have apparently made him a leading target.