Exciting youngster Alexis Claude-Maurice, who had been linked with Newcastle, has stated that he wants to secure a move to Germany with Borussia Monchengladbach, according to Metro.
Croatian midfielder Nikola Vlasic – also linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer – looks to be heading to Russia, with the BBC claiming CSKA Moscow have agreed a deal with Everton.
And Juan Mata has signed a new contract with Manchester United, after the Sun linked him with a move to St James’ Park earlier in the summer. So that’s three targets that the Magpies have missed out on in a short period of time…
Claude-Maurice has many European clubs chasing him
Having had a tremendous season in Ligue 2 with Lorient, Claude-Maurice is considered one of the top prospects of the summer, and had a host of clubs chasing his signature.
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Arsenal were thought to be the likeliest destination in England for the player – with him said to have been keen on joining, and claims that he had agreed personal terms – although West Ham were also said to be interested.
Some of Europe’s top clubs were also hopeful of luring him, including RB Leipzig, Lyon, Lille, Monaco, Marseilles, Sevilla.
But it is Monchengladbach’s focus on young players, and them playing in the Europa League have swayed his decision.
The 21-year-old would definitely had been an exciting prospect for Newcastle next season, and hopefully these are the types of young players we are looking to bring to the club.
Everton were said to be giving Newcastle time to bid
The Sun had reported that Everton were waiting for Newcastle to make a bid for Vlasic, before they would agree a deal with CSKA.
But Newcastle’s current priorities lie elsewhere, meaning no move was forthcoming, which has seen a deal with the Russian side close to completion.
If we manage to pull off some deals for similar quality players to these, then there may yet be hope of a decent squad for the year ahead.
As quiet as it is on the transfer front for Newcastle at the moment, there promises to be a flurry of activity throughout July, when hopefully, strengthening the squad will become the main focus.
Mata was never likely
The link with the Spanish playmaker seemed tenuous at best. How on earth could we convince a player of his calibre to come to the North East and likely take a massive drop in wages?
Mata will be staying with Manchester United after extending his contract and it’s fair to say that most Toon fans won’t be upset about this. As good a player as he is, a move to Newcastle was never likely.