Barely days have passed since the start of the summer transfer window, and Newcastle have found themselves embroiled in some mini sagas already.
Whether it’s the four-team race for Liam Delap or last night’s news that Bryan Mbeumo has opted for Man Utd, we’ve already found out how hard it is to wrap up those early signings Eddie Howe asked for just a few weekends ago.
And according to a new report, that’s looking to be the case for another one of our reported targets, as European Champions PSG have now made a move.
According to [Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1929938827960893476), PSG are now working on a deal to sign Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi this summer.
Writing on X, Romano reveals that PSG have already held club-to-club talks over a deal, with this coming a week on from Mark Douglas reporting on our ‘serious’ interest in signing the £50m-rated Ukranian.
Romano reports that the 22-year-old centre-back has been on PSG and club advisor Luis Campos’ shortlist for a long time, but it won’t be a simple signing for ourselves or Luis Enrique’s side to make.
Having already lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, and with Milos Kerkez seemingly bound for Liverpool, the Cherries will be desperate to cling onto at least some of their star defenders.
Even with the obvious Bournemouth connection, Zabarnyi looks to be a player Howe has had his eye on for some time.
But with PSG having already opened discussions with Andoni Iraola’s side over a potential transfer, time is ticking for the Toon to make a move if we’re seriously interested as an alternative to Marc Guehi.
A reported £50m fee may seem off putting, but for an exemplary young, Premier League proven defender who will shore up our defence immediately upon arrival, it seems like a no-brainer.