Reported Newcastle target Daniel James has agreed personal terms with Manchester United according to Sky Sports, meaning he will not be coming to St James’ Park.
Rafa Benitez had hoped to lure the young winger to Tyneside, but faced an uphill battle when Manchester United became interested.
Sky Sports claim an agreement between the Red Devils and Swansea is still to be finalised, but it is surely a formality.
The player will cost around £15 million, and it is questionable whether Newcastle’s interest was serious at that price.
The lure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side has is hard to turn down, despite the fact he may have limited playing time.
Exciting times await if players like James are genuine targets
Unless a major hitch pops up during negotiations between the two clubs, James will be a Manchester United player.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Certainly players like James tick the boxes for Mike Ashley – young, talented, with a high sell-on value in future years.
If Benitez and Ashley can agree on this quality of player – should he stay – then exciting times could await.
Although, as we have reported several times, nothing can happen until current talks between the club and manager conclude.
(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United)
Another bargain basement summer may loom, with Newcastle in danger of missing out on their top targets.
Other clubs are wanting to get their business sorted early, meaning the Magpies could be left behind again.
Fans will hope that news is imminent, enabling the club to move forward – one way or the other.