Newcastle United are yet to make a formal approach for Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi.
Chris Waddle has backed Johan Manzambi to excel should Newcastle United sign the £50million man this summer.
The 20-year-old - who has been one of the breakout stars at the current World Cup - watched from the sidelines as Switzerland snuck past Colombia on penalties. Three goals and an assist helped Manzambi’s nation reach the last-16 tie but he picked up a knee injury in the final training session.
He faces a race against time to be fit for Switzerland’s quarter-final clash with Argentina on Saturday. Newcastle are understood to have expressed interest in signing the Freiburg midfielder following the World Cup.
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Newcastle United interest
Freiburg value Manzambi - who broke into the first-team picture two years ago - at around £50million. As a Premier League club, the Magpies could significantly improve his £20,000 per week wages.
Newcastle are taking a youthful approach as they aim to rebuild after losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. Ewan Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure - also 20 - have already arrived.
Manzambi’s camp have paused discussions on his future until Switzerland exit the World Cup. Newcastle are set to open talks for the youngster but, naturally, remain wary of potential rival interest.
Chris Waddle on Johan Manzambi
When asked about Manzambi joining Newcastle, former Toon playmaker Waddle told 10bet: “(Yeah) they want someone who is going to create and be dangerous. The sort of player where, when they pick the ball up, you wonder what he's going to do next because he's capable of beating men, making goals, and scoring himself. That is exactly the sort of player Newcastle need in the middle of the park.”
‘Don’t have creativity’ - Chris Waddle
Waddle also insisted Newcastle need a No.10 after lacking creativity last season. He added: “Well, they have Harvey Barnes who can play on the left, and they've still got Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga. Yoane Wissa is there, and maybe William Osula might do well this year as he gets more games - he's quick and a bit like Isak.
“What they really need is a No.10. They need a creative player. They've been playing Joelinton and Guimarães, who are all tidy, good footballers, but they don't have that bit of creativity and flair. If there was a creative No.10 available to play off the center-forward, that would help Newcastle a lot.
“Lewis Miley should get in the team this year. He has just signed a six-year contract and they have high expectations for him. He is a good player who can go into that midfield, but he is very similar to what they already have. That's why if I were looking at the market. I'd be searching for a really creative player.”
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