Gary Neville gives Newcastle United another reason to go out and sign Bryan Mbeumo

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Newcastle United want to add special players to their squad this summer.

It is going to be an important transfer window for Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe needing a deeper squad.

That was extremely apparent on Sunday during Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal. Howe’s options off the bench were limited, while the Magpies really struggled without Alexander Isak.

It could be a summer of change at St James’ Park, though. Newcastle’s transfer budget could be £150million, which will allow Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell to seriously enhance Howe’s squad.

One player on the Magpies’ radar is Bryan Mbeumo, and a deal for the 25-year-old would certainly get Gary Neville’s seal of approval.

• Every player linked with Newcastle in summer transfer window: Latest news and prices on Eddie Howe’s targets

Gary Neville hails ‘special’ Bryan Mbeumo

Amid Newcastle’s interest in Mbeumo, Neville has named the Brentford winger in his Premier League team of the season.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Neville admitted that Mbeumo is a player who he would love to have in his team.

“I just went for stats,” he said.

“I think he’s the third-most involved in goals. You think of what Brentford do. They go a little bit unsung. They don’t seem to get the mentions of Bournemouth, Forest or Brighton. Brentford and what they are doing with Thomas Frank is unbelievable.

“Their front players, Wissa and Mbeumo, have lit us up over the last few years when we’ve been down to watch them. They always deliver.

“What he’s done this season is special. I think he’s fantastic. He’s a player I would love to have in my team.”

How Bryan Mbeumo compares to Jacob Murphy

If Mbeumo were to arrive at St James’ Park, he would be competing with Jacob Murphy for a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

On the face of it, that is a battle that the Cameroon international should easily win.

However, Murphy has had an amazing season, as he continues to defy belief in black and white. He has been exceptional for Eddie Howe, regularly delivering what the Newcastle United manager asks of him.

Tactically, Murphy is outstanding. But he has also been pivotal in the final third.

In terms of pure numbers, Mbeumo surpasses Murphy.

That says more about Mbeumo, as only Mohamed Salah has got more assists than Newcastle United’s number 23.

The number of assists that Mbeumo has is also encouraging, as whoever plays on the right of attack for the Magpies will need to combine with Alexander Isak.

• Who is Jacob Murphy? The Newcastle United star who has transformed under Eddie Howe

Murphy and Isak have an outstanding relationship on the pitch, which is why taking the former out of the team will be easier said than done.

While Mbeumo has performed better than Murphy this season, Howe will not want any changes to his side to be to the detriment of his superstar striker.

However, there is no doubt that Mbeumo would be a spectacular signing at St James’ Park. The fact he can also play as a central striker is another positive, with Newcastle United in need of more quality in that position.

It has been reported that Mbeumo could cost £54million, which falls within the Magpies’ summer budget.