Newcastle United were set to discuss a transfer sum in excess of £50million for Bryan Mbeumo until they got wind of the staggering salary Manchester United dangled before the Cameroonian star.
The Tyneside club had been diligent in scouting the 25 year old Brentford sensation, with efforts documented from January, demonstrating their repeated interest. But Newcastle were hardly solo in the chase, competing against top-flight European outfits and cash-rich Saudi Pro League teams promising wages believed to be over £200,000 a week.
Eddie Howe, reflecting on the possibility of high-profile acquisitions after their concluding match of the season against Everton, admitted: "If he's already established, I think the wages and the financial package becomes difficult for us, speaking honestly, so as much as we would want it."
He elaborated on the challenges of enlisting top-tier talent, saying, "Of course it's much easier for me to bring in a ready-made, established, world-class player, but I don't think we've done that since I've been here because we haven't been able to financially."
Howe acknowledged the club's financial limitations and the impact of PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Regulations) constraints, stating, "We're not in the position of the other clubs, we have to bring them in and then try to make them that. I don't envisage that changing because of the PSR restraints on us.", reports Chronicle Live.
Newcastle have shown interest in Mbeumo, the former Troyes player, but they weren't the only ones. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were also contenders, however, eyebrows were raised when the forward's representatives revealed his desire to more than quadruple his £45,000 weekly wages at Brentford.
Following a £62.5million deal with Wolves for Matheus Cunha, who will pocket £200,000 per week, Man United are ready to go all out for Mbeumo, bending over backwards to meet wage demands and agent fees. Chronicle Live reports that Eddie Howe and his team are unfazed by the situation, aware of other options and funds available for spending this summer.
Newcastle's current top earners, including Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, all earn around £150,000 per week. United acknowledge that their weekly wage cap will eventually be surpassed, but it would require a world-class performer to make that happen.
Howe is also seeking players eager for success and viewing Newcastle as a golden opportunity. In a week that saw Liam Delap choose Chelsea over Newcastle, despite interest in the £30million Ipswich Town player, Howe and his team remain confident they can attract players who will thrill the fans in the upcoming weeks.
It's also understood that the imminent departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell has not disrupted any transfer plans at St James' Park.