· 4 June 2025, 12:00
**Newcastle United could be about to lose out on yet another high-value transfer target with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain now the frontrunners for £50m Bournemouth star.**
You'd be forgiven for thinking that Newcastle had a secret tunnel that ran from Bournemouth to St James' Park for them to funnel players through, given the number of former Cherries who end up at the Toon.
However, the tides are turning and Newcastle have already missed out on one Bournemouth star this summer as Dean Huijsen opted to move to Real Madrid, and now another could reject the opportunity to sign for the Carabao Cup champions in favour of a move to the Champions League winners - I guess that makes sense.
Illia Zabarnyi is a player Newcastle have been linked to several times leading into the summer trading period, although the links have never felt as strong as some other players.
Illia Zabarnyi fancies move to PSG
PSG are likely to push for Illia Zabarnyi
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Regardless, there was definitely a feeling that there was truth to the rumours, especially given how well Zabarnyi performed for Bournemouth in the last campaign.
That form has translated into Bournemouth demanding around £50 million for his services, which probably would have been enough to put Newcastle off anyway, but now their chances have got even slimmer as [Foot Mercato](https://www.footmercato.net/a429951516704152153-le-psg-se-lance-a-labordage-dillia-zabarniy) reports that PSG are now at the front of the queue.
The 22-year-old is reportedly keen on a move to Paris, and PSG are far more likely to have £50 million to throw at a defender than we are.
Paul Mitchell is clearly dreaming about his upcoming time off. GET TO WORK, MITCHELL!
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Losing out on Zabarnyi won't feel like anywhere near as big of a blow as letting Bryan Mbeumo slip through our fingers, but it is just another sign of how slow Newcastle are to act in the transfer window.
Eddie Howe has pleaded for the board to move quickly, but there still seems to be no urgency.
It's likely not helped by our sporting director serving his notice period. I mean, have any of you ever given your all during your notice period? Nah.