Johan Manzambi of Switzerland
Johan Manzambi of Switzerland
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Aston Villa are hijacking Newcastle United's move for Johan Manzambi, with talks over a deal understood to be at an advanced stage.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who starred at the World Cup and during SC Freiburg's run to the Europa League final, favours a move to Villa over Newcastle.
It would come as another major blow for Eddie Howe to lose another prime target in the transfer market, although BirminghamLive understands that a deal has not yet been finalised.
Manzambi scored three goals in four World Cup appearances this summer but missed Switzerland's Round of 16 and quarter-final matches against Colombia and Argentina through injury.
After breaking into Freiburg's first team in the 2024/25 season, he established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young players last term.
He scored five goals and registered a further five assists in 27 league appearances, while also featuring in all 15 of the German club's Europa League matches on their run to the final.
John Townley
John Townley
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