Most people dislike the summer because of the wasps and sunburn that come with it. Newcastle United, however, are beginning to despise it because of their failure to get their transfer targets over the line.
In the last 12 months, the Magpies have gone from pole position to a DNF in several transfer races. They've missed out on Hugo Ekitike, Victor Munoz, Benjamin Sesko and now look destined to miss out on Johan Manzambi, who has picked Aston Villa.
It's forced them back to the drawing board once again, where they've now identified Parma's Mandela Keita.
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It looks like Keita is the next name on Newcastle's midfield shortlist, as they scramble to find their replacement for Tonali.
Newcastle in talks to sign Mandela Keita
According to Parma Today, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are in talks to sign Keita from Parma this summer. The Magpies have made enquiries over signing the midfielder.
mandela-keita-parma
The 24-year-old is valued at just €25m (£21m) in Italy and that's certainly affordable at St James' Park following the £100m sale of Tonali and the £69m sale of Anthony Gordon.
Competition from Everton and Leeds could yet complicate things and leave Newcastle stuck in a Groundhog Day of rejection, but they should go all out as soon as possible to finally land a midfield star.
Newcastle must not miss out on another midfielder
At this stage, Newcastle are simply completing the scouting job for other clubs to swoop in. It has been nothing short of a disaster in the last 12 months and something has to change - starting with Keita.
After watching Manzambi go from Tyneside-bound to choosing Aston Villa over St James' Park, Keita should become their priority signing in the middle of the park.
25/26 Keita Manzambi
Minutes 2,991 2,094
Tackles 74 35
Recoveries 154 110
Chances created 11 20
Duel success 62.4% 58.9%
Dubbed "brilliant" by scout Antonio Mango, Keita is a far more secure option out of possession than Manzambi, who is more attack-minded. After losing Tonali, it is the former that Newcastle arguably need more next season.