Fabrizio Romano confirms 'final decision' on Newcastle United transfer target

One of Newcastle United’s summer transfer targets has turned down a late move to another Premier League team on deadline day.

Johan Bakayoko was considered a top target for a number of Europe’s elite clubs and he has been heavily linked with a move away from PSV this summer, particularly with the arrival of Mexican footballer Hirving Lozano from Napoli.

A number of Premier League clubs have made contact with the Dutch outfit to sign Bakayoko and one of those teams was reportedly Newcastle United, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Earlier this week Brown told GiveMeSport: “He’s certainly very highly-rated, yeah. I think there are a couple of teams potentially looking to sign him. Newcastle I believe are also interested in Bakayoko. He’s very young, so he’d be a signing that you’d expect to get better and have his best years at your club if you were to sign him now.”

Bakayoko was a member of the PSV team which finished second in the Eredivisie last season and the 20-year-old recorded five goals and five assists in the league last year.

He is credited for his excellent pace on the ball and ability to take on defenders, this was prevalent in his side's recent Champions League play-off victory and Bakyako started in the 5-1 win against Rangers.

Such form attracted the attention of Brentford who were closing on a deal to sign the attacker as they adjust to life without Ivan Toney until January.

The Bees looked to be in pole contention to sign the young player but recent developments suggest that the Belgian international has committed his future to PSV.

Football journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Johan Bakayoko has communicated to Brentford that he’s NOT joining them. Final decision confirmed.  Despite deal almost agreed between clubs, Bakayoko decides to stay at PSV in order to play Champions League football. Brentford remain keen on signing him in January.”

PSV have been drawn against Sevilla, Arsenal and RC Lens in the Champions League. They have been given a more favourable group than Eddie Howe’s team who have landed in the group of death alongside PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.