Newcastle plan to steal Bundesliga star from Man Utd grasp as Man City reject placed on Howe shortlist
The battle for the signing of a Bundesliga ace is intensifying as Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in pursuing the former Manchester City player, according to a report.
Man Utd and Newcastle have both qualified for next season’s Champions League, having finished third and fourth in the Premier League respectively. The lure of playing in the Champions League could help Man Utd and Newcastle sign some of their summer transfer targets ahead of English rivals who finished lower down in the Prem, such as Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea.
There are plenty of discussions going on at both Old Trafford and St James’ Park when it comes to potential new arrivals.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is desperate to add a top-class striker to his ranks and is keen on Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. Although, Victor Osimhen could emerge back on his radar following an intriguing U-turn by Napoli.
Man Utd are in the market for a new central midfielder and goalkeeper too, while they will also move in for a new right-back if their finances allow.
As per a recent report from BBC Sport, Newcastle are trying to improve their midfield ranks this summer, as well as landing a new right winger.
On June 12, German outlet Sport1 revealed how Man Utd are interested in Wolfsburg star Felix Nmecha, who can either play as a central attacking midfielder or as a left winger. It was claimed that Man Utd officials had been in contact with Nmecha’s father to discuss a move. Nmecha’s father is currently advising the 22-year-old on his playing career.
However, it now seems Man Utd will face competition from Newcastle for Nmecha. As per Sky Germany, Nmecha has just emerged on Eddie Howe’s summer wish list.
Newcastle in for Man Utd target – report
Newcastle have been prioritising moves for either Leicester City star James Maddison or Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig to fill the playmaker role. But they do not want to have to pay a huge sum for either player and therefore view Nmecha as a cheaper alternative.
The report claims he could be available for transfer at €25million (£21.5m).
Newcastle’s formalising their interest in the one-cap Germany international comes after they scouted him several times during the 2022-23 season, most recently during Wolfsburg’s 2-1 Bundesliga win over Hoffenheim last month, during which Nmecha registered an assist.
It must be noted that Newcastle and Man Utd are not the only sides chasing Nmecha. He is also being courted by Borussia Dortmund, Sky Germany add.
Dortmund represent a real threat as they often sign young players before developing them into world-class stars. Nmecha may want to follow in the footsteps of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham by shining for Dortmund and then gaining a big move to either England or Spain.
It would be interesting for City to see Nmecha return to England. He came through their academy but only managed three first-team appearances before being allowed to leave for free two years ago.
Nmecha took a season to get used to life in Germany and Wolfsburg’s style of play but has now established himself as a regular in their starting eleven.
Should he achieve a big transfer to either Newcastle or Man Utd, then he would be looking to impress and prove City wrong for letting him leave.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly joined the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham in the hunt for a Serie A star.