Newcastle United are said to be leading a race for a much-needed midfielder. The Magpies have found themselves short in midfield following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham on a club-record deal.
Eddie Howe will have come into this summer hoping to strengthen his ranks after a very disappointing campaign, but so far, it has only become weaker following the sales of Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Howe will now get money to spend to replace those players, but recruitment is never easy, and it is even less so when clubs know you have money to spend. The Magpies are said to be making progress, though. In fact, they are said to be leading one particular race.
Newcastle leading race to sign Manzambi
Johan Manzambi celebrates with Swiss teammate Granit Xhaka
Johan Manzambi celebrates with Swiss teammate Granit Xhaka
Newcastle are now said to be in 'pole position' to get their hands on Freiburg and Switzerland World Cup star Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old midfielder has dazzled at the World Cup, and he and his teammates are now in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout win over Colombia on Tuesday night.
Manzambi missed the game due to injury, but he will be hoping to play a further part in the World Cup. In the meantime, he continues to attract plenty of interest, with a number of clubs said to be in the race to land him, including Newcastle.
Kicker say there have been 'concrete movements' in negotiations, and that the Magpies are in a 'promising position'. The outlet reports that Freiburg are willing to do a deal at the right price, which is reported to be around £51million.
Manzambi a 'precious' talent
Eddie Howe embraces Mikel Arteta during Newcastle's match with ArsenalScott Heppell Via Reuters
Speaking before Switzerland's clash with Colombia, the Swiss boss, Murat Yakin, said: "Obviously when players have to leave training early people are anxious. He might not play tomorrow and that can be a huge issue.
“I’ve known of [Manzambi’s] talent for a year. He is a very precious and important player for us. He is constantly increasing his performance and is a team player.
“He’s the kind of player that others like to watch and I always say that he is an all-rounder, with so many qualities. He still has so much potential but we’ve very happy with him and I hope he can be on the pitch tomorrow.”
The midfielder did not make it back, but he will hope to make it back for the next round, when Switzerland will face a big test against current champions Argentina.
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