'One to keep an eye on' – Newcastle and Aston Villa jostle to seal last-gasp Christian Kofane deal

Bayer Leverkusen could reluctantly cash in on striker Christian Kofane amid late interest from Newcastle, Aston Villa and Chelsea, sources have told Football Insider. 

The German side do not want to lose their 20-year-old starlet, but are prepared to sanction his exit ahead of Tuesday’s 11pm deadline if the right offer were to come in. 

The Premier League trio are all in the market for striker reinforcements in the final hours of the window, while Arsenal are also long-term admirers of the Cameroon international.

Sources say that Kofane’s future is “one to keep an eye on” as we edge towards the imminent deadline. 

The starlet is extremely highly-regarded in the Bundesliga, and Leverkusen are not surprised by the level of interest that he is now attracting. 

Kofane has begun the new campaign with two goals from his opening two games, having previously notched seven goals and six assists last term. 

Christian Kofane deal could go down to the wire

Football Insider first revealed the interest in Kofane on Sunday, with the trio of clubs eyeing up a last-minute move to secure his signature. 

Arsenal’s interest is more long-term than that of their rivals, and they are not expected to make a push to sign him ahead of the deadline. 

Kofane is building a growing reputation for himself in the Bundesliga, and Leverkusen have been ready to try and fend off interest in him from elsewhere. 

The situation surrounding his future appears set to go right down to the wire, with the interest from the likes of Newcastle likely to depend on deals that happen elsewhere.

Leverkusen are clear in their stance that they do not want to lose Kofane this close to the start of the season, but they could yet be tempted if a big offer comes in. 

Newcastle's £190m deal is a game-changer for new signings

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last weekend that Newcastle's new training ground has the potential to be a game-changer when it comes to their transfer business long-term.

The Magpies have finally secured a £190million deal to build on the Woolsington Hall Estate, and hope to be able to move into their new facility ahead of the 2029-30 campaign.

Wyness believes that the news serves as a huge "statement of intent" about where the club hope to progress to.

He also outlined that could play a key role in them attracting future signings, as well as helping to keep their best players at the club.