Alex Crook has claimed that Newcastle United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a ‘fan’ of Aston Villa transfer target, Yves Bissouma, as he told talkSPORT.
The talkSPORT journalist added Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is ‘still’ interested in the Brighton midfielder, who he expects to leave this summer – his contract at the Amex Stadium expires in 12 months.
This is the first summer in many, many years that Newcastle will enter with ambition and a load of money behind their back.
They have already proven during the January transfer window that they can land their signings and make them work – the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn are prime examples.
So, with Ashworth swapping Brighton’s boardroom for Newcastle’s, he might just try to lure Bissouma towards St James’ Park, as Crook shared his thoughts on the situation.
“I think that has been the stance for a while (to listen to offers for Bissouma),” said Crook.
“I think they were slightly surprised Brighton that they didn’t have a fight on their hands this time a year ago to keep Yves Bissouma.
“He’s the sort of defensive midfielder that all top clubs are calling for. He has a year left on his contract, so it is decision time, they are leaning towards cashing-in.
“Interest from Aston Villa in January. I think Steven Gerrard still wants to sign him. Monaco are in the race. And Dan Ashworth has just left Brighton to join Newcastle.
“He is their new technical director and their transfer guru. Putting two and two together. I know he is a fan of Bissouma, so that’s a possible destination. It wouldn’t surprise me if he were to move on.”
BISSOUMA IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR A TEAM IN EUROPE
Bissouma has shown on enough occasions under Graham Potter that the £50 million target is good enough to play in Europe next season.
But those at Villa Park, and in Newcastle, who want to get into Europe, will feel they can beat other interested parties to his signature.
Villa have already added a defensive-minded midfielder to their squad following the free-transfer of Boubacar Kamara from Marseille.
But given that the Frenchman was a free-transfer, it still leaves space in Villa’s transfer kitty to push for Bissouma if they wish.
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