The Magpies are close to landing Johan Manzambi but the deal still has a couple of hurdles to go
Johan Manzambi of Switzerland
Johan Manzambi of Switzerland(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
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Newcastle United believe they are 'close' to landing a deal for Johan Manzambi after holding fresh talks over the World Cup hero.
As reported by Chronicle Live last week, the Magpies have made their sales pitch to the Swiss star and he will be a key first-team player if United can pull it off.
It is believed a fee of around £51.3millon will be enough to persuade SC Frieburg to part with the exciting midfielder but the player himself has not fully committed to the deal, which Newcastle are working at right now.
Newcastle are aware of intense competition for the 20-year-old and know they still have work to do on the Swiss ace. But there is optimism that a deal can be struck by United insiders.
The Magpies completed a deal for Dutch youngster Sean Steur on Thursday morning as they look to demonstrate a new policy of buying younger players and giving them the chance to impress in the Premier League.
United have been cautious on some transfer deals after being gazumped at the last minute on Victor Munoz, but feel they have made a good case to lure Manzambi to St James' Park. The likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have courted Manzambi in the past but Newcastle are trying to stay ahead on the race for the Swiss star this summer.
Manzambi certainly fits into the age profile Newcastle are now firmly centred on as the club looks to comply with UEFA's SCR rule book but also get vital business done.
Both sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson are driving hard behind the scenes for incoming business and focus has switched from sales to purchases in the last few days.
Yesterday Newcastle legend Chris Waddle urged the Magpies to get a deal done for Manzambi and said: "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.
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