‘Newcastle ready to sell two first-XI stars to fund Bryan Mbeumo deal’
Newcastle United are exploring the possibility of signing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in the summer transfer window.
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 the 25-year-old is their top target to improve their wide options.
However, they will only be able to afford his lofty £50-60million price tag if they decide to cash in on Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes this summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 14 April that Newcastle could accept “huge” offers for Gordon if they need to sell before they buy this summer.
A new right-winger has been top of their list of targets since last summer and despite the form of Jacob Murphy, Mbeumo is seen the ideal option.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Brentford will accept £50million for Mbeumo amid growing interest from Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle to make Bryan Mbeumo move after Anthony Gordon exit
Brown told Football Insider in January that Newcastle would wait to sign Mbeumo in the summer when they will have improved financial stability.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the Magpies may be forced to drum up funds to meet his asking price.
“Newcastle are very interested in Bryan Mbeumo,” he told Football Insider.
“But they’ll only be able to pay his £50-60million price tag if they lose one of their current players.
“They’ve got Harvey Barnes who has had a bit of resurgence lately and established himself in the side.
“Then, they’ve got Anthony Gordon, and there’s been a bit of talk about him moving on.
“It’s an interesting dilemma for Newcastle because there are a few players who they don’t feel are good enough to be major parts of where they want to be.
“But they’re still concerned about PSR and whether they can go out and spend big money.
“If they get offers for Gordon or Barnes which they deem acceptable, they could be sold which would then allow Newcastle to reinvest that money into their squad.
“Mbeumo has been a top-level player on a consistent basis and has had an impressive season.
“He’d be perfect for Newcastle on that right-hand side, but it’s just a concern about their finances.
“If they can sell first, then they’ll go for it, but if they can’t then they won’t be able to afford him.”
Marc Guehi update emerges after Crystal Palace latest
Alongside the addition of a new right winger, the centre of their defence has been one of the Magpies’ top targets since last summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 5 May that Newcastle have retained their interest in Marc Guehi and are eyeing a fresh move for the Crystal Palace star.
The centre-back will have just one year remaining on his deal come June and the Eagles are now prepared to see him leave the club.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Palace have begun planning to replace Guehi as they accept he will leave at the end of the season.
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