Newcastle to 'outbid' Nottingham Forest to win Lucas Bergvall race
Newcastle United are prepared to outbid their rivals in the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Lucas Bergvall this summer.
Eddie Howe has identified the 20-year-old as his top target to replace Sandro Tonali, who completed his move to the North London club earlier this month.
Spurs have already turned down offers for the Sweden international from both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, in the hopes of sparking a bidding war for his services.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are not backing down in their pursuit of Bergvall and are readying an improved bid.
The Magpies are confident they have the financial power to get a move over the line, despite having been frustrated in their pursuit of other top targets this summer.
After missing out on other signings, however, Newcastle are determined to land Bergvall and are ready to go above Nottingham Forest in their efforts to agree terms.
Will Newcastle United make a new move for Lucas Bergvall?
Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Tottenham's demands for Bergvall are set to skyrocket after turning down bids from both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
£45million was initially expected to be enough to lure him away, but after two offers were turned down, they are now set to up their asking price and hope to spark a bidding war.
Newcastle, however, are prepared to beat off rivals in their pursuit and are already readying a fresh offer in an attempt to steal a march on Nottingham Forest.
"Newcastle are the ones I'm really expected to push for Bergvall," Brown told Football Insider.
"They've had that first offer accepted, but they've got plenty of money in the bank now after their sales, so they're not going to be deterred by any bidding war.
"They have to believe that they can win the race for players like Bergvall, they have to show ambition and can't be afraid to spend big.
"I expect they will come in with a new offer for Bergvall, above what was offered before, and they'll be prepared to outbid Nottingham Forest or whoever else wants him.
"Eddie Howe knows improving his midfield is going to be crucial after selling Sandro Tonali and maybe Bruno Guimaraes as well, and Bergvall is at the top of his list.
"So they'll be confident they can get a deal done, and they'll be ready to match whatever Tottenham's demands are in their attempts to bring Bergvall in."
What happens if Newcastle miss out on signing Bergvall?
Newcastle are determined to get a deal over the line for Bergvall, but new concerns have crept in given the rival interest which could see them miss out on another key target.
Howe's side have already missed out on one top midfield target, after Aston Villa hijacked their move to sign Johan Manzambi, continuing what has been a long-term concern.
Brown told Football Insider on 14 July that Newcastle have "big problems" with their recruitment, having missed out on signing a number of key targets in recent years.
The Magpies have also missed out on signig Victor Munoz this summer, who opted to join Liverpool, while last summer's window saw Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko poached.
Should the Magpies now miss out on Bergvall as well, major concerns are set to grow at St James' Park, with serious questions to be asked about their recruitment.