‘Newcastle make Matteo Guendouzi transfer decision after Sunderland reveal’
Newcastle United are unlikely to pursue a move to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in a boost to rivals Sunderland’s chances.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Eddie Howe’s side do not view the 26-year-old among their top targets.
The Magpies are believed to have held an initial interest in the former Arsenal midfielder after sending scouts to track his performances in Italy.
Instead, the Magpies have set their sights on alternative targets as Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Newcastle are interested in Conor Gallagher.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland are interested in Guendouzi, with Regis Le Bris pushing for the deal behind the scenes.
Guendouzi, who was a young player at Lorient while Le Bris was the manager of their B team, is being considered to bolster their midfield and bring Premier League experience.
Newcastle snub Matteo Guendouzi deal after Sunderland reveal
Guendouzi has long been linked with a return to the Premier League, as Football Insider revealed in June 2024 that Aston Villa held preliminary talks over a deal.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now backed Sunderland to beat their rivals to his signing should he choose to return to England.
“Matteo Guendouzi is one Newcastle have looked at,” he told Football Insider.
“But from what I hear, I don’t think he’s the one they’re going to go for.
“There are a lot of options they’ve looked at in that position and I think others might be more suited to how they want to play and the direction they want to head.
“Looking at their team, they’ve got Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton in that midfield.
“Joelinton would be the one to drop out if they were to sign a new midfielder, but he does that box-to-box role and is a different type of midfielder to Guendouzi.
“He’s big, strong and powerful, whereas Guendouzi is maybe better technically but not as imposing.
“So from Newcastle’s point of view, he wouldn’t be an upgrade on what they’ve got, so I don’t think he’s one they’ll be looking to bring in.
“That might be a boost to Sunderland, though, because they’re still interested.”
Lewis Miley update emerges after Eddie Howe decision
Amid speculation that Howe might look to add a new midfielder to his squad this summer, questions have been asked about the future of Lewis Miley.
Brown told Football Insider on 16 July that Newcastle could accept offers for Miley, while he is keen to play more regular football at this stage of the career.
Howe is keen to strengthen in midfield this summer amid interest in the likes of Gallagher in a move which could push Miley down the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 21 April that Newcastle will entertain offers for Miley this summer with one eye on their ongoing profit and sustainability concerns.
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