Johan Manzambi: Thomas Muller told Bayern Munich to sign Newcastle target

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in making a move for SC Freiburg and Switzerland youngster Johan Manzambi this summer.

Manzambi, 20, has emerged among the World Cup's breakout stars, scoring three goals and providing an assist in the group stage.

The midfielder also enjoyed a superb club season, scoring seven goals and providing six assists as Freiburg lost to Aston Villa in the Europa League final.

Manzambi is under contract with the Bundesliga club until 2030, but is attracting significant interest this summer.

Newcastle are expected to lose at least one central midfielder this summer, with Tottenham in talks over a move for Sandro Tonali.

The Italian's exit may be complicated by Arsenal's move for Bruno Guimaraes, although sources at St James' Park insist that their captain is not for sale.

Thomas Muller has told Bayern Munich to sign Johan Manzambi

Manzambi has been on the radar of Europe's top clubs for some time now, but the World Cup has seen his profile explode.

The 20-year-old started on the bench in Switzerland's opener against Qatar and kept the spot against Bosnia and Herzegovina, making a startling impact in the 19 minutes he did play.

Murat Yakin's side had been yet to find the opener, but Manzambi had been on the pitch for a matter of seconds before volleying in to break the deadlock.

Soon after, he would pop up in the box again to confidently stroke home and secure victory for his nation.

Yakin did not make the same mistake again, and started Manzambi against Canada. The youngster's driving run and cross provided Ruben Vargas with the chance to score the opener, before the Freiburg man doubled the advantage himself with a powerful strike.

Speaking to Magenta after the game against Bosnia, Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller said: "He's a good player overall. We've had him on our list for a while now.

"For me, he's someone – and now we can make a headline – that FC Bayern should also consider. I don’t know his exact age. But you can sense his flexibility. You can also sense his carefree attitude.

"At the same time, you can already see a certain maturity in his actions, in his decision-making, his work ethic. He’s now in Freiburg in a team where they really work hard. I think his development is very, very good.”

What Manzambi has said about his future amid Newcastle interest

Newcastle are not the only club interested in Manzambi, and they may well face Premier League competition as well.

The Magpies' financial situation may also demand an exit before such a deal can go ahead. The speed of negotiations surrounding Tonali and Guimaraes in the coming days may prove key.

"I honestly don't know," Manzambi told BILD in May when asked about his future. "My contract runs until 2030.

"We'll see. Right now, I have to prepare for the World Cup, then we'll see what the future holds for me."