Newcastle United hold ‘direct talks’ with 11-goal forward as ‘big offer’ is accepted

Newcastle United are reportedly keen to hijack Wolverhampton Wanderers’ bid to sign Valencia star Goncalo Guedes.

Valencia manager Gennaro Gattuso revealed the Portuguese international was set to leave the La Liga club in a press conference given following his side’s 2-1 win in a pre-season friendly against Atalanta.

The former Italy international was asked about Guedes’ absence from his matchday squad and said: “This morning, Miguel Corona called me. He explained the situation to me. A club from England has made a big offer for Guedes. We have to accept that he will surely leave.

“I’m angry because after a match against a great team we’re only talking about Guedes. I understand you, but the club couldn’t refuse the money they have offered for Guedes”.

Wolves were immediately named in the Spanish press as the Premier League club that have submitted an offer for the winger.

However, Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari has suggested Newcastle are also keen on the 25-year-old as they look to enhance Eddie Howe’s attacking ranks with the summer transfer window now into its final month.

Longari claimed Wolves are close to an agreement with Guedes but claimed Newcastle are in ‘direct talks’ with Valencia in a bid to steal a march on their Premier League rivals.

The Magpies are hoping to add a goalscoring winger to their squad before the start of September and the Portuguese star seems to fit the bill after finding the net on 11 occasions in 36 appearances last season.

Guedes also has seven goals in 32 appearances for Portugal and has become a regular feature in their squad ever since he made his senior debut in a friendly defeat against Russia in November 2015.

Spanish outlet Marca have reported Valencia are already targeting Tottenham Hotspur winger Bryan Gil as a replacement should Guedes complete a move to the Premier League.