Newcastle could assist pay Manchester United’s summer transfer for Bryan Mbeumo, after it was revealed that the Magpies are ‘pursuing a deal’ for one of their former academy graduates.
It was widely reported this week that Mbeumo, 25, has decided to join Manchester United ahead of the new season, with the Reds beginning talks with Brentford to recruit the in-form forward.
After scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 38 Premier League games for the Bees last season, the France-born Cameroon international has piqued the curiosity of many top-flight clubs, including Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham.
However, it appears that Mbeumo will be part of a new-look front three at Old Trafford next season, however negotiations over a transfer cost have still to be completed.
According to transfer analyst Ben Jacobs, Brentford rejected an initial bid of £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons, but the parties have stayed in talks, and a second bid of more than £60 million has since been lodged.
While United and Brentford are negotiating, Newcastle are actively seeking a transfer for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
According to the Daily Mail, an enquiry has already been made, and conversations about a prospective move are in the early stages, with Forest demanding a’sizeable price’ for the Swede. Indeed, a transaction may cost up to £50 million, according to reports.
Newcastle’s interest in Elanga would undoubtedly be appreciated by those at United, since the club included a sell-on clause when selling him to Forest for about £15 million in the summer of 2023.
Here’s how United fans on social media responded to the latest transfer news.
One stated, “We have a sell-on clause for Elanga. Newcastle will practically fund our Mbeumo move,” while a second wrote: “The irony of Newcastle funding our Mbeumo relocation is just delightful.”
A third commented: “Newcastle United’s top target was grabbed by Manchester United, so they move on to their next target and pay Manchester United to obtain him. Beautiful scenes.
Another responded, “Sell on clause for United, bring it,” while an additional fifth stated: “Utd praying Elanga & Alvaro Fernandez get sold by their clubs, puts a bit of extra cash into Utd’s coffers from the sell-on clauses.”
Eddie Howe is said to be a great fan of Elanga and even tried to lure the Swedish international to St James’ Park last summer.
Sky reporter Keith Downie said in August that the Magpies held conversations with Forest over a prospective trade worth more than £35 million, but the deal never materialised, with Forest unwilling to let Elanga depart.
The winger scored six goals last season, helping Forest finish eighth in the Conference League.
xz
