Newcastle United are set to miss out on another promising young star to a Premier League rival.
Recruitment has been a thorn in the Magpies’ side in the last year – PSR was crippling in the summer and it forced Newcastle to sell two of their prized assets.
Newcastle reluctantly sold Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest – the young midfielder is now thriving with more game time, much to the dismay of Newcastle fans.
Howe also saw Yankuba Minteh depart despite the winger never playing a competitive fixture for Newcastle. He impressed during a loan spell at Feyenoord before being shipped off to Brighton.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell is keen to continue recruiting youth with the hope Toon boss Eddie Howe can develop them for the future. There’s hope more players could come through the door despite suggestions that only injuries will make Newcastle buy in January.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that one player Newcastle had their eye on has verbally agreed to a Premier League move.
Romain Esse snubs Newcastle for Crystal Palace
Romain Esse is a highly thought-of-attacking midfielder who isn’t short of interest. Newcastle recently watched Esse along with several other Premier League clubs and Ligue 1 side Monaco.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a great run in Millwall’s squad having played 24 games in the Championship this season scoring four goals.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Crystal Palace approached Esse despite Newcastle’s interest and now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a verbal agreement between the player and club over a January move.
Although there were suggestions it could be a difficult deal to make in this transfer window, Palace look to have pulled through and got their man.
The Eagles continue to be a thorn in Mitchell’s side, Newcastle had several bids rejected for Palace defender Marc Guehi in the summer – now they’ve taken away a top prospect.
Further to the agreement, it is understood that Esse had a release clause which was activated in the summer – Palace are likely to have triggered it.
Newcastle’s options away from Esse
Should Esse have made the move to Newcastle, the chances are that he would’ve played as a right winger – a position Howe is keen to improve in January.
Mitchell must now look elsewhere for the winger Howe desires, thankfully, they’re not short of options.
Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s “dream” signing, but reports suggest Arsenal could make a summer move for the Brentford man who has 13 Premier League goals this season.
The Magpies are long-term admirers of Nico Williams who plays for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, Williams was part of the Spanish national team that beat England in the EURO 2024 final.
Elsewhere, Mitchell could raid his former club Monaco in January. Newcastle are monitoring Maghnes Akliouche who has six goal involvements in 15 games this season.
While a long-term option is needed on the wing, Newcastle can get away with it as a result of Jacob Murphy’s recent turn in form. The 29-year-old has three goals and six assists in the Premier League so far this season.
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