Manchester United are keen to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo as part of their summer rebuild and now appear to have a free run at the forward after one of their rivals admitted defeat
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo was previously of interest to Newcastle
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle are plotting a double swoop for Joao Pedro and Anthony Elanga after losing out on Bryan Mbeumo. The Magpies had been linked with a move for the Brentford forward this summer.
He had been identified as an ideal addition ahead of Newcastle’s return to the Champions League next term. But they faced serious competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United, with the Red Devils now looking likely to secure his signature after Mbeumo expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford.
That decision has forced Newcastle to look elsewhere with a number of Premier League stars having been identified as alternatives. According to The Telegraph, Eddie Howe’s side will step up their pursuit of Brighton forward Pedro.
The Newcastle boss has been tracking the Brazilian since his days with Fluminense and his profile is seen as an ideal addition to the squad.
Brighton are now braced for bids but the Seagulls are expected to ask for around £60m for the striker following a season in which he scored ten goals in all competitions.
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Away from Pedro, Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga. The Magpies are understood to have submitted an enquiry for the winger, with discussions at an early stage.
Forest would demand a lofty fee for the former Man United man having previously rebuffed a £35m approach from Newcastle in January. Regarding Mbeumo, United still have to agree terms with Brentford over the forward, with Thomas Frank having warned the Bees have a very lofty asking price in mind.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: "It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Really a lot. Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done.
Joao Pedro
Newcastle are stepping up their pursuit of Brighton's Joao Pedro
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"There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for."
He added: "I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don't look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.
"How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”
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