Newcastle United look like they could be set to miss out on Joshua King after recent transfer links to the player.
The Athletic claim the Norway international is in negotiations with Southampton about a move to St. Mary’s on transfer deadline day.
The deal that is on the table supposedly involves Shane Long moving in the opposite direction, and an agreement could arrive in the coming hours after the two clubs entered discussions over the weekend.
King, it’s explained, would apparently join Southampton for a ‘small fee’, with Long going to the Vitality on loan, with the Cherries having an option buy in the summer.
Supposedly there are other possibilities today for £45,000-a-week star King (Spotrac), but this is the scenario with the greatest traction, with Long open to moving to Bournemouth.
The development comes after Newcastle were linked with King earlier this month (The Sun). The report claimed that the Magpies wanted to wait until the summer to land King as a free agent.
Newcastle are missing an opportunity
It looks like Newcastle’s stance on King might ultimately cost them.
That Southampton are sweetening the deal by offering Long is quite a smart play.
King would be a great addition for Newcastle, especially with him knowing Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson really well, but it looks as though Newcastle’s inaction could allow Southampton to steal in.
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