‘What Howe will want’ - Newcastle United prepare blockbuster move for 20-time international forward

Newcastle United are believed to be lining up a ‘huge’ move for highly-rated Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in January.

The 20-time Cameroon international has been one of the Premier League’s best performing players this season with an incredible eight goals and one assist from his opening 14 league matches.

Football Insider understands that the 25-year-old sits ‘right at the top’ of Eddie Howe’s list of January targets and describes the Bees fan favourite as the type of character that would fit perfectly into the Newcastle dressing room due to his incredible work ethic both on and off the pitch.

Mbeumo arrived at Brentford from French second division side Troyes as something of an unknown quantity to most Championship supporters in 2019.

However, he quickly endeared himself to Bees fans and in his debut season formed part of an iconic trio with Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, which was dubbed by supporters at the time as BMW.

Mbeumo scored 16 goals and seven assists in his debut Championship campaign, and continued to play an important role in his second season by registering eight goals and 10 assists while also working hard to create chances for Ivan Toney.

Brentford won promotion in Mbuemo’s second season and he has remained a fan favourite ever since, with a combined 30 goals and 22 assists in 112 top-flight matches, marking a period which has seen the West London side quickly establish themselves as mainstays in England’s top division.

Mbeumo at 25-years-old is a player that is improving year on year and he has proven that he is capable of playing both as a centre forward and a right-winger, which essentially makes him a player that would solve two of Newcastle’s attacking problems in one go as they search for a further right-wing and striker reinforcements due to uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of both Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson.

Football Insider, however, insists Brentford are not open to doing business in January unless they receive a significant offer but does add that there is potential for a deal to be done over the summer.

In an interview with the outlet, Michael Brown, formerly a scout for Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, refers to Mbeumo as the ‘ideal’ calibre of signing for Newcastle and adds that it is also the perfect next jump in the player’s career as he aims to test himself at the highest level possible.

Brown told the outlet: “Mbeumo is definitely their top target for the position.

“They want to sign a new right-winger as a priority because the squad is a bit lacking in balance at the moment on that side.

“Newcastle is the sort of club I think would be ideal for him if he wants to leave Brentford.

“But I’d expect it to take a huge fee to get him out of Brentford because they won’t want to see him go.

“It won’t happen in January, I’m fairly certain of that, because Newcastle are restricted in what they’ll be able to spend.

“But when it comes to the summer, that’s one I’ll think they’ll look to get over the line.

“He works hard, as well, he’s not just one of these flashy wingers. That’s what Howe will want.

“He works hard, scores plenty of goals, he’s quick and direct and makes an impact on the game. That’s exactly the type of player Newcastle need.”