Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo in action for Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Brentford(Image: Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Newcastle United could be set to miss out on a long-term target as FC Porto race to beat a handful of clubs to the signing of one of Europe's most exciting youngsters.
Nineteen-year-old Roony Bardghji has already amassed more than 80 appearances for FC Copenhagen, including six in the Champions League, scoring 15 goals while also suffering an ACL injury which put him out of action for close to a year.
Hailed as the 'Swedish Messi', Bardghji confirmed he would not renew his contract with the Danish Superliga champions, which ends on December 31, 2025, piquing the interest of Newcastle, Tottenham, Manchester United and several other clubs across Europe.
Eddie Howe is believed to be in the market for a forward and looks set to miss out on Bryan Mbeumo who is reportedly poised to join Manchester United for a fee around £60million.
Bardghji could prove to be a cost-effective alternative right-wing option should the PIF hierarchy sanction a move for the soon-to-be out of contract player.
But, the Toon will have to move fast as trusted transfer source, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Porto as the first club to act, submitting a bid to Copenhagen.
Roony Bardghji
Porto force Newcastle's hand with offer for in-demand wonderkid
"FC Porto submit official bid to Copenhagen for 19 year old talented winger Roony Bardghji," Romano posted on his X account.
"Deal not advanced yet as there are several clubs around Europe keen on Bardghji with current contract due to expire in December."
Elsewhere, Newcastle have been linked with Brighton's Joao Pedro as well as Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga as potential signings to bolster the club's attacking ranks.
Reports suggest the usually financially-astute Brighton would expect upward of £60million, likely to be a club record for Newcastle, in order to part ways with Pedro, who contributed 10 goals and six assist in 27 Premier League games last campaign.
The lofty price tag is partly due to an expected windfall owed to the player's former side, Watford, who are understood to have inserted a clause as part of the deal which saw him move to the Amex in 2023.
Howe would likely also have to sanction a near-club record transfer fee to bring Elanga to St James' Park after playing a pivotal role in Forest's highest-ever Premier League finish, last season.
The Swedish winger featured in every league match, notching six goals and 11 assists across the campaign.
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