With merely days left in the summer transfer window, it looks like many clubs are scrambling to put the finishing touches to their squad. This includes Newcastle United. The Premier League seems quite open at this point in time.
Defending champions Arsenal are the heavy favourites but who will be the ones competing with them for the title? Manchester City have a new manager in Enzo Maresca and a lot of uncertainty surrounding them. The same goes for Chelsea and Liverpool. Man Utd lost their opening game.
So, the chasing pack might be trying to improve their squad with a final signing or two before the window slams shut. And there is some significant news in this respect.
Man City set to make bid that affects Newcastle United
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are set to bid a £85 million package to sign Cody Gakpo after the agreement with the player’s camp.
Manchester City are stepping up efforts to get the deal done for Gakpo. They now wait for Liverpool to approve the transfer when they find a replacement.
This is where things can get tricky for Newcastle United. Recently, Liverpool have been linked with a player the Magpies want to sign as well in the final days of the window.
That player is none other than Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The Belgian international wants to leave Lille. But so far, an exit has not transpired.
It has been suggested that Newcastle United are ready to pay close to €60 million to sign Fernandez-Pardo. But Lille are believed to be holding out for €70 million.
Liverpool interest makes it tougher for Newcastle
Now, if Liverpool do end up entering the race for Fernandez-Pardo, as a potential replacement for Gakpo, that would make things a lot more difficult for Newcastle United.
The Magpies have already lost one target to Liverpool this summer. Victor Munoz had been on the verge of a move to St James’ Park when Liverpool approached and quickly got a deal done.
So, Newcastle United will know all about the pull that Liverpool possess. If they want to sign Fernandez-Pardo, they might need to do it swiftly.
Obviously, the Magpies are believed to have an alternative in mind already in the form of Bilal El Khannouss. He is not an exact match in terms of the profile though and is more of a number 10. Let’s see how this all plays out.
Liverpool make move for player Newcastle United want to sign
Liverpool make move for player Newcastle United want to sign
‘Outstanding’ – Newcastle United might’ve pulled off signing of the summer
‘Outstanding’ – Newcastle United might’ve pulled off signing of the summer