Sources: Newcastle ready to pounce as Yasin Ayari's talks stall
Newcastle United could make a move to sign Brighton star Yasin Ayari if his new contract talks stall, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has less than a year remaining on his current contract as things stand, although Brighton reserve the option to extend it by a further year if they choose.
His contract situation has alerted a number of potential suitors to his availability, and they could be tempted to make moves in January if his contract talks stall.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Brighton are reluctant to lose Ayari and hope he will put pen to paper on a new deal.
However, the Sweden international has recently admitted there is uncertainty over his future at the Amex, inspiring renewed interest from his long-term suitors.
Newcaslte considered a move to sign Ayari during the summer transfer window, and despite ultimately considering other targets, could now make a move to bring him in.
Could Newcastle make a move to sign Yasin Ayari?
Football Insider revealed back in June that Newcastle were eyeing Ayari as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, who eventually left the club.
His performances for Sweden at the World Cup had put a number of clubs across Europe on alert, and his current contract situation is likely to have stirred up fresh interest.
The likes of AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have also previously shown an interest in Ayari, and should Brighton fail to progress in talks, then a move could be on the cards.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think there will be clubs monitoring his situation at Brighton, like Newcastle who have been interested previously.
"If these contract talks that he's in at the minute don't lead to anything or lead to an extension, I'm sure there will be clubs keeping tabs on Ayari.
"When an opportunity like this comes up to sign a top young international midfielder, there will be clubs looking at him, not just in the Premier League but I'm sure from abroad as well.
"I don't think Brighton are under any immediate pressure to sort out his contract situation because of that 12-month extension clause they've got on it as well.
"There isn't any panic or anything else over his contract situation and everybody's relaxed about it, but clubs will be keeping a close eye on his situation."
What is the latest on Ayari's contract situation?
Ayari's contract situation at Brighton has sparked renewed speculation about his future, and has attracted his long-term admirers to keep a close eye on developments.
However, Football Insider revealed on 25 September that Brighton are planning to trigger the one-year extension clause in the Sweden international's contract.
That will see the midfielder's stay at the Amex extended until 2028 as they aim to deter his potential suitors and stop him leaving on a free transfer in next summer's window.
Brighton view Ayari as an important part of their plans and are unwilling to let him leave on a free, despite the growing interest from elsewhere.
They will buy times for themselves by triggering this one-year extension, which means they will not have to rush into talks regardless of the interest from elsewhere.