‘The important thing’ - Newcastle United target wanted by Liverpool issues honest transfer demand

German sensation Brajan Gruda has revealed that guaranteed first-team football is the key to any potential summer transfer.

Newcastle United are one of several Premier League clubs reportedly chasing the 20-year-old, who has seven caps at under-21 level. Gruda - valued between £20million and £30million - enjoyed a fine breakout season for Mainz.

He registered seven goal contributions to emerge as a top Bundesliga talent - helping Mainz finish two points above the relegation zone. Investing in youth has been a top priority for Newcastle since the Saudi-backed takeover and Gruda is rumoured to be on the Magpies’ radar. 

The likes of Yankuba Minteh, Alex Murphy and Garang Kuol have made the Tyneside switch following years of neglect at academy level. While not all youth players will break into the starting line-up, flipping them for a profit can help alleviate FFP/PSR concerns - a tactic deployed by Manchester City and Chelsea.

Liverpool are also linked with the versatile winger, who can operate as a striker or No.10. Speaking to German outlet Abendzeitung, Gruda highlighted regular football as a top priority should he leave Mainz.

“Of course, we are thinking about the topic, but at the moment my full focus is here,” he said. “My agent will sort everything out. (I am) open to everything.

“At my age, it is important that I play a lot and show what I can do. If I sit on the bench week after week or only get a few appearances, I think that will destroy players.

“Money will come at some point when you are very, very successful. But the important thing is to play and have fun.”