Newcastle United have suffered their first setback of the summer transfer window.
Bryan Mbeumo has chosen to join Manchester United, despite the fact Eddie Howe was very keen on bringing the Cameroon international to Tyneside.
The Brentford No.19 scored 20 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season.
TBR Football understand Newcastle United will not compete for Mbeumo any longer, as the Magpies feel Manchester United are paying too much – the deal looks set to cost over £60m.
However, Newcastle United have already identified an alternative in Kingsley Coman.
Newcastle United want Kingsley Coman with Bayern Munich ready to sell
Christian Falk – a very reliable journalist when it comes to Bayern Munich – has now told CF Bayern Insider that the Magpies are keen on the France international.
The report states that Newcastle United are still checking on other alternatives to Mbeumo, but hold a definite interest in Coman – who Bayern Munich want £29m for as he enters the final 24 months of his contract.
THAT Kingsley Coman goal 👑 #FCBPSG #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/Cgo8xBnPqG
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) April 7, 2021
Falk adds that Barcelona are also interested in the Frenchman, but would prefer to strike a deal for either Luis Diaz or Marcus Rashford.
Coman – aged 28 – scored seven goals and provided four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions last season, a fairly average return which reinforces why Bayern Munich are happy to sell for just £29m.
Kingsley Coman would represent an expensive gamble for Eddie Howe
The £29m fee is reasonable for an experienced international, although Coman – who Julian Nagelsmann called “one of the best wingers in Europe” – would be a risk for the Magpies nonetheless.
Putting his poor amount of goal involvements last season aside, the man born in Paris is said to earn £247,000-a-week at the Allianz Arena, which would make him the highest earner at Newcastle United by some distance, earning far more than the £160,000-a-week Bruno Guimaraes receives.
Coman also has a patchy injury history.
Season Days Injuries Games missed
24/25 56 days 4 8
23/24 130 days 5 21
22/23 35 days 2 8
21/22 97 days 8 16
20/21 47 days 5 6
19/20 85 days 4 12
18/19 120 days 5 28
17/18 105 days 6 23
16/17 151 days 6 28
15/16 22 days 4 4
Therefore, a move for the Bayern Munich No.11 may not be the best way for Howe to respond after missing out on Mbeumo.