Newcastle United are now preparing to hold further talks with Brighton and Hove Albion today as they chase a huge deal for midfielder Yves Bissouma.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Newcastle are speaking to Brighton today in the hope of agreeing a move.
Aston Villa are thought to be looking elsewhere for a new midfield signing, meaning Newcastle are now trying to seize their chance with a move for Bissouma now.
Other Premier League clubs are keen too, but they aren’t prepared to bid until the summer, leaving Newcastle as the only team ready to move now.
The fee isn’t cheap though; Brighton want a huge £50million fee for Bissouma, meaning Newcastle will have to dig very deep.
Deals for Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood haven’t reached £50million combined, so this would be a huge outlay for the Magpies.
This is ultimately what Newcastle need though – more quality in midfield to help control games in the battle against relegation.
Bissouma has excelled with Brighton, becoming one of the finest box-to-box players in the league with outstanding quality on the ball.
Branded ‘sensational’ by Ian Wright, Bissouma has attracted admiring glances from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.
Yet with Brighton demanding huge money for a player they signed for around £15million, the Seagulls have fended off interest.
Now inside the final 18 months of his contract, Bissouma could be on the move in the near future.
Can Newcastle really tempt Bissouma though?
Newcastle have money and plenty of it after their takeover. The Magpies should be upwardly mobile in the coming years and this looks to be an exciting project.
The big problem though is that Newcastle aren’t safe from relegation, not by a long stretch.
Saturday’s 1-0 win at Leeds United was a huge boost, but Newcastle will face a battle tempting top players to join.
If Bissouma knows top Premier League clubs want him this summer, gambling on Newcastle staying up may not be in his best interests.
Talks today should map everything out for Newcastle, who would certainly be landing an enormous coup if they can bring Bissouma to Tyneside.
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