Newcastle plotting to sign Yasin Ayari as Brighton talks 'accelerate'

Newcastle United are set to fall short in their pursuit of Brighton star Yasin Ayari despite his current contract situation.

The 23-year-old has been on the Magpies' radar since before the summer transfer window, and they had been heavily tipped to revisit a move to land him in 2027.

He is currently set to see his contract expire at the end of the season, with talks over a new deal having stalled, placing Newcastle and their Premier League rivals on alert.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brighton remain determined to extend Ayari's stay and the player would be happy to agree terms.

Talks are believed to have taken place behind the scenes, and despite some delays, all parties are working towards reaching an agreement in the near future.

Ayari has been a crucial player for Fabian Hurzeler this season, and after his recent performances, they are accelerating plans to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.

Could Newcastle make a move to sign Yasin Ayari?

Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle could take advantage of Ayari's contract situation and are keeping a close eye on developments at the Amex Stadium.

Matthias Jaissle plans to further strengthen his midfield options in the coming windows after losing key players during the summer, with the Sweden international on his radar.

However, Brighton have no plans to lose Ayari any time soon, and are hopeful of seeing off the interest from rival clubs in favour of agreeing a contract extension.

"Brighton will be stepping up talks with Ayari before the transfer window opens, I'm sure," Brown told Football Insider.

"Obviously, when a player is performing at a top level in the Premier League and his club are also doing well, it's going to attract interest from a number of other clubs.

"Newcastle have been mentioned, and they won't be the only ones keeping an eye on his situation, but I think any of those interested clubs are likely to miss out.

"Brighton will be stepping up their plans to offer him a new contract, just to put any speculation at ease and remove any doubts about his long-term future.

"By all accounts, he seems very happy at the club and they're very happy with him, so there's no reason he wouldn't sign a new contract.

"Even if, as you say, things may have stalled recently I'm sure it will all be ironed out and they'll come to an agreement that works best for everybody.

"For Brighton, that's a much better outcome than seeing him leave for free at the end of the season, especially if he goes to one of their Premier League rivals."

What is the latest on Ayari's contract talks?

Questions have been asked about Ayari's long-term future at Brighton given his contract situation, as he spoke out about talks having delayed during the international break.

With less than a year remaining on his current deal, there are fears he could look to move on, although Brighton may also decide to trigger their one-year extension.

Brown told Football Insider on 20 October that Brighton are prepared to do everything in their power to keep Ayari at the club and hope he will pen a new deal.

The Sweden international has already made 10 appearances so far this season, and Hurzeler is determined not to lose him in the near future despite interest from elsewhere.

His goalscoring display against Crystal Palace underlined his importance to the side, and despite growing interest from elsewhere, Brighton have no plans to see him go.