Newcastle United are ready to pay £55m to sign a Premier League star ahead of both PSG and Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle’s transfer window going from bad to worse after Sesko snub
The Magpies have so far had a transfer window to forget, missing out on numerous targets to bolster Eddie Howe’s side ahead of their Champions League return.
PIF have tried and failed to bring Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike to Newcastle, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all beating them to deals.
Now, it looks as if those at Old Trafford are about to pip them to a transfer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with both clubs making offers. Sesko wants to move to Man Utd instead of Newcastle, despite the Magpies having a €85m proposal accepted by the Bundesliga side.
Time is ticking ahead of the opening Premier League weekend and the transfer deadline on September 1, with Anthony Elanga the only real marquee signing to shout about at St James’ Park.
Now, it looks as if they are willing to make a move for another target who is also wanted by numerous clubs.
Newcastle ‘ready’ to pay £55m for Zabarnyi
According to reports in France, Newcastle are now willing to hijack PSG’s move to sign Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi.
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The Cherries have been holding out for €70m but are reportedly willing to accept PSG’s offer of a €60m fee, should they also include €3m in add-ons, which takes the total package to £55m.
However, the report adds that Newcastle are ‘ready to immediately meet’ Bournemouth’s demand, if they get wind that Zabarnyi is willing to make the move to St James’ Park. Tottenham have also been linked and are in the same position as Newcastle.
Those at the Parc des Princes are still expecting to sign the Ukraine international, but it appears as if PIF are ready to complete a hijack of their own after experiencing multiple transfer blows in recent weeks.
As can be seen, Zabarnyi has been compared to numerous high-profile defenders after starring on the south coast for Bournemouth, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Still just 22 years of age, Zabarnyi could partner Sven Botman in the long run at St James’ Park, but it looks as if any attempted deal would be tough to complete given PSG’s optimism.