Newcastle United target ‘hints’ at transfer after failed summer bid

RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara has teased a potential move away ahead of the January transfer window. This comes only months after Newcastle United made an attempt to sign the 24-year-old.

Haidara’s 2021/22 campaign came to a halt in March when he suffered a medial collateral ligament injury, however that didn’t prevent great interest in his signature over the summer. The Magpies were one of a number of clubs targeting the the Malian and reports claimed they had a £40 million bid turned down for his services.

However, it looks like Newcastle may have another chance to snap up Haidara. Speaking to The Guardian, the midfielder said: “I have a few good friends playing there [Premier League]. But I’m at Leipzig and I’m working hard to continue my development.

“The matches in the Premier League are very intense. It’s always a good game, no matter which club plays. We’ll see what happens. But I’m happy at Leipzig.”

Haidara’s current contract doesn’t expire until 2025 and any team would have to splash out to lure him away from Leipzig, however United would surely hold an advantage if it came down to a bidding war. Despite that, Transfermarkt currently only value the Mali international at £18m.

With Bruno Guimaraes already making up a spectacular midfield at St. James’ Park, Eddie Howe will be eager to strengthen his side will the hope of claiming European football at the end of the season. While Haidara may remain in Germany for now, a successful campaign for the Magpies may prove tempting for the former RB Salzburg star.

It is unclear whether any of Newcastle’s rivals will go in for Haidara in the near future, however Man Utd were formally eager to snap him up but failed to secure a deal - despite the midfielder reportedly confessing his ambition to play for the Red Devils.