The perfect £60m Newcastle United swap deal that would make total sense after deal was agreed with Southampton
No matter what plays out over the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have some major calls to make as they look to strengthen at the top end of the pitch.
Although United’s preference for a forward player would be someone who can feature across the front line and function effectively in a number of positions, the primary focus will be to provide further competition for Alexander Isak. The Sweden international will head into next season as Eddie Howe’s undoubted number one striker after a barnstorming season that saw the former Real Sociedad man plunder his way to 25 goals in 40 games in all competitions – a tally that represented the best return of his career so far.
The future of Callum Wilson remains undecided as the England striker heads into the final 12 months of his current deal at St. James’ Park. Links with the likes of Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United during the January transfer window were not without foundation, and despite Howe’s hints over wishing to retain the striker’s services, it is all too clear to see a major decision is awaiting over the next two months.
Whether Wilson departs for pastures new or not, the addition of a striker and a wide player remain on the agenda for the Magpies hierarchy and there is one current member of the United squad that could prove pivotal in the search for both. It seems remarkable to think that the only time Yankuba Minteh has pulled on a black and white shirt was when he was formally announced as Newcastle’s first signing of last summer.
After being immediately dispatched on loan to Dutch giants Feyenoord, the Gambia international is currently set to return to Tyneside for pre-season training – but he will arrive with a whole host of expectation surrounding him after he impressed during his season-long stint in the Eredivisie.
Although the 19-year-old could still be considered as a raw talent and has a number of aspects of his game that require serious improvement, a return of 11 goals and six assists in 37 appearances and a Dutch Cup winners medal represents an impressive year in Rotterdam.
There are questions over how Newcastle should allow the next stage in the youngster’s development to play out, with some reports suggesting the Magpies battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations raising the prospect of a permanent sale – without the winger ever making an appearance for the club.
Howe has also hinted he wishes to assess Minteh’s progress in person by allowing the winger to take part in his side’s pre-season schedule before a firm decision is made. Feyenoord remain keen on a loan deal and clubs in Italy, Spain and the Premier League are also said to be considering a similar move for the youngster.
