Newcastle United transfer bombshell 72 hours before window closes as £60m bid prepared

Miguel Almiron’s exit has left the Magpies exposed, with Eddie Howe lacking options on the right flank. In truth, many were calling for Newcastle to sign a winger before the Paraguayan rejoined Atlanta United for £11million.

Almiron said his goodbyes last week and the deal was confirmed on Thursday. Toon chiefs are operating under tight PSR restrictions and, without European football, will gamble on Newcastle’s current options.

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Howe has a wafer-thin squad but is set to welcome Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson back later this month. For now, a three-pronged frontline of Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak must be relied upon.

But turning attention to the summer and Newcastle will be targeting a right-sided attacker. Yankuba Minteh, who arrived as a youth player and never wore black-and-white stripes before being sold to Brighton, has been the only right-winger signed since the takeover.

The Mirror now claim Mbeumo is Newcastle’s top target this summer - a proposed deal that would excite supporters. An impressive 14 goals from 23 Premier League games this season has followed from a solid return last year.

Mbeumo has helped Brentford fill the void left by Ivan Toney, who left for the Saudi Pro League following Euro 2024. He would not come cheap, however, with the Bees understood to be demanding at least £60million.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank insisted the Frenchman is staying put during the January window amid reported Newcastle and Liverpool interest. He said: "It would be that big a fee (to tempt a deal) that I can't imagine the size of the fee.

"I'm not even focused on keeping the best players, I'm just expecting them to stay. And adding? We are always in the market. We don't have the urgency to bring new players in but, of course, we are aware if we suddenly need some."