Newcastle United ‘pull out’ of race to sign former Bournemouth star targeted by Manchester United & Liverpool

Newcastle United are understood to have ‘pulled out’ of the race to sign Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, according to a report in the Daily Express.

That means that Manchester United and Liverpool are now expected to do battle for the former Bournemouth star’s signature in the coming weeks.

The 25-year old has been a key part of the Yellow Submarine side who reached the semi-finals of last season’s UEFA Champions League but could be set for a return to England, even if it is not with the Magpies.

Here is everything you need to know about the player and what has been reported:

Man U and Liverpool get ‘clear run’ at signing Danjuma

As per today’s report in the Express, Manchester United and Liverpool have been “given a boost” in their pursuit of Danjuma after Newcastle United “pulled out” of the running to sign the winger.

The article cites claims from TalkSport that Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe has doubts about the players temperament.

Despite the St James’ Park side withdrawing their interest, it does look possible that the former Bournemouth star could be in for a return to the Premier League.

Liverpool could look to the player as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, who looks set to exit Liverpool this summer with Bayern Munich his most likely destination.

As cited by the Express, Danjuma told Ziggo Sport: “I was informed that Liverpool were following me closely.

“I have never had contacts with clubs or anything like that during the season - I always know about the situation after the season.

“I will never lie and I think it’s a bad quality if you are not ambitious.

“If a club came along that offered me a higher platform to play on sport-wise, I would always have to consider it.”

The 25-year old went on to discuss his desire to return to the Premier League.

Who will Newcastle United sign next?

Although a move for Danjuma now looks to be off the table, Newcastle United are expected to still have several signing targets with a new winger thought to be high on Eddie Howe’s priority list.

Jesse Lingard remains an option with the England international confirmed to be leaving Manchester United on a free transfer earlier this week.

The Magpies had looked to move for the 29-year old in January but a deal could not be struck with officials at Old Trafford.

Eddie Howe’s side are now thought to be amongst the main contenders to swoop in and land Lingard along with West Ham United while several Italian Serie A sides are also thought to be in the mix such as Juventus, AS Roma and AC Milan.

Another winger who Newcastle are being heavily linked with is Leeds United’s Jack Harrison.

Reports first emerged in May that the Magpies could make a summer move for the 25-year old and they remain the favourites to land his signature this summer.

However, should the Yorkshire side be inclined to accept any offers for the former England Under 21 international, that may see the likes of Everton and Leicester City put on notice.