'Next level' - Newcastle United weigh up January move for £50m winger who is a 'handful'

Newcastle fans on social media are admirers of Mbeumo and it appears head coach Eddie Howe is too amid suggestions the 25-year-old has been discussed as a potential January target.

The Magpies made England international Marc Guehi their number one target in the summer but failed to lure Crystal Palace into selling, despite months of negotiations. Guehi remains of interest but with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles nearing a return from long-term ACL injuries, United may leave their centre-back search until the end of the season.

A right-sided forward is viewed as far more pressing, certainly among supporters anyway. Moving Anthony Gordon over the right has plugged a gap but there remains a need to strengthen.

And when asked about Newcastle’s interest in Mbeumo and whether the player could make the step up, Cole said: “He’s a player that’s already stepped up from the Championship to the Premier League with Brentford and he doesn’t look out of place. If he does have the opportunity to move to that next level, then he won’t let anybody down.

“He’s a handful. He’s strong, quick, aggressive, scores goals and creates chances, so what more can you ask for? He’s going to do just that.”

A possible stumbling block however is the Cameroonian’s price tag, which is a reported £50million. Committing to a big move this winter would likely force the Magpies to sell someone this summer amid constant pressures to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).