‘If I leave’ - Johan Bakayoko has given Newcastle United bold come-and-get-me plea
PSV Eindhoven talisman Johan Bakayoko is a reported Newcastle United target.
Johan Bakayoko has previously outlined his desire to join a club that can “win prizes” and play in the Champions League.
Newcastle United - linked with the Belgian since January - proved last season that they can deliver both. Eddie Howe steered the Magpies to Europe’s top table for the second time in three seasons while also winning the Carabao Cup.
NewcastleWorld understands Toon chiefs are working on a deal for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. As it stands, both clubs are not aligned on valuation, with the Tricky Trees demanding closer to £60million.
Johan Bakayoko named as Newcastle United option
Sky Sports reported earlier this week that PSV Eindhoven star Bakayoko has been shortlisted as an alternative alongside Mohammed Kudus and Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi. NewcastleWorld reported on Newcastle’s interest in January as he approached the final year of his contract.
Bakayoko - who has 18 caps for Belgium - is yet to pen a new contract. PSV must now decide whether to cash in for a cut-price fee or risk losing their prized asset for nothing.
At 22, the winger has a higher ceiling and is somebody Howe can develop further. Several sources suggest Bakayoko could be available for as little as £20million this summer.
Johan Bakayoko on PSV Eindhoven exit
Bakayoko issued a come-and-get-me plea to potential suitors last season amid speculation regarding his future. Newcastle will believe they fit the criteria of clubs the Belgian star is looking for.
"If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for the prizes just like PSV," he said. “Becoming a champion is what I want and (to) win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that. I'm ready for the top. But PSV is also a top club, especially if many players from last season stay. And it's nice here.
"I think I've never radiated a moment that I play here reluctantly. The holiday was shortly after the European Championships, but it's great to get back to PSV. Last season's vibe is still there."
‘Speed is key’ - Eddie Howe
Howe called for early action in the transfer market this summer - a plea that has so far not been answered. Speaking after the final day of the season, he told reporters: "Speed is key for us and I have reiterated that many times internally. Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.
“That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment, because you can have a period when you think you have time - but then you look around quickly and you see that time has elapsed and you missed opportunities you won’t get again.
“That’s what we will be trying, but the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands - but we will do our best to do things early. The power of the Champions League is huge. It’s a selling point for us now, it’s an opportunity to sell that dream to future players that might be considering coming to us."