Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle could miss out on the signing of Leandro Trossard from Brighton, because Newcastle have already raided Brighton for Dan Burn – and Dan Ashworth.
Belgium international Trossard, 27, has been sensational this season. So much so that the attacker has basically confirmed himself in Roberto Martinez’s squad for the World Cup. He has had a hand in 10 goals in 13 games.
Indeed, Trossard has scored seven goals and laid on three assists. But his long-term future at Brighton is in doubt, with his contract expiring in 2023. It might be, that in January, Brighton need to cash in to bring in some money for the star.
According to Graeme Bailey via the Talking Transfers podcast, Newcastle want Trossard. A fee of £25m is needed. The Mirror say Chelsea are also keen. Now, Downie says Ashworth and Burn could prevent Newcastle signing Trossard.
“That’s one I could potentially see happen in January. The issue they’ll have there is the fact that Brighton have done so much business with them already, in the shape of Dan Ashworth and Dan Burn,” Downie said, on Give Me Sport.
Newcastle could miss out on Trossard because of Burn and Ashworth
This is one way of looking at it. But another way of considering it, is that Ashworth and Burn’s presence at Newcastle may tempt Trossard. He has some recognisable faces on Tyneside. Ashworth, and the position he is in, would help.
The issue is, that Newcastle would have go through Brighton first to get Trossard. Yes, they could sign him on a free next summer. But if Newcastle do not sign him in January, the chances are, he will join another team instead.
As stated, Chelsea are keen and they also boast a Brighton connection in Graham Potter. It will be interesting to see who goes for Trossard and if Newcastle can convince Brighton to sell – perhaps spending a little bit more to tempt.
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