Newcastle have 'big problem' after another transfer hijacked - 'it keeps happening'

Newcastle United are facing "big issues" ahead of the new season as they continue to miss out on their top transfer targets.

This comes as Aston Villa are now closing in on the signing of Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, despite the Magpies having agreed a deal with his club.

Eddie Howe's side reportedly failed to convince the 20-year-old on personal terms, opening the door for their rivals to hijack the move, in a huge blow to their ambitions.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Newcastle's inability to attract players is starting to become a "major problem" for the club.

Losing out on Manzambi comes shortly after Liverpool hijacked their bid for Vitor Munoz, while they missed out on the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike last summer.

The number of top targets who have ultimately snubbed at move to Newcastle has compounded concerns which have grown surrounding their ability to keep their best players.

How have Aston Villa beaten Newcastle to Johan Manzambi?

Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Aston Villa are set to complete the signing of Manzambi this week, with the player given the green light to undergo a medical.

That is despite Newcastle having agreed a deal with Freiburg, as Villa moved quickly to convince the player to join Unai Emery's ambitious side.

Aston Villa also have the bonus of being able to offer players Champions League football, which is something the Magpies lack, and that could cause further problems.

"If this keeps happening, it's going to be a big problem for Newcastle in this transfer window," Brown told Football Insider.

"Whatever the reason is for it, whether it's the city being relatively isolated, the club not offering an excited project or big wages, or whatever it may be, it's becoming a concern.

"Whenever we speak about Newcastle, it's quite clear that there are areas of the squad that really need improving, but if they can't convince players to join, how can they do that?

"It's happened a couple of times already this summer, players have been close to joining and then gone elsewhere, and it happened last year too.

"So Newcastle aren't able to get these deals over the line, and they're losing key players as well, so the squad keeps getting weaker and weaker and then you're in trouble.

"It's a sign of far deeper problems, because every team missed out on targets sometimes, but it seems to happen to Newcastle regularly and it will only lead to more issues."

Bruno Guimaraes exit to compound Newcastle misery

Newcastle's pursuit of Manzambi was sparked amid concerns about their current midfield options, with Sandro Tonali already having left to join Tottenham this summer.

However, while they look set to miss out on their top midfield target, they are also now at risk of losing another star player with Bruno Guimaraes keen to move on.

Football Insider revealed on 10 July that Guimaraes could push for a move away from Newcastle, which would force them into the market to land a direct replacement.

The Magpies are already eyeing replacements for Anthony Gordon and Tonali, but having missed out on top targets Munoz and Manzambi, they are facing a major dilemma.

Losing another star player would severely weaken their squad, and their current inability to convince players of a move to St James' Park is only making matters worse.