A report emerged last week claiming that Newcastle United are close to signing Yankuba Minteh, and now he has added more fuel to the fire.
Reports in Denmark stated that the teenager is nearing a move to Newcastle, with Minteh set to cost less than £10million. The story claimed that the Magpies were ready to do a deal, with his club Odense BK willing to sell.
It was an exciting rumour, with Minteh turning heads with his performances for the Danish top flight side. He scored on his debut earlier this season, and has three goals and six assists to his name already.
The Gambian right winger looks like a real talent – the kind of player Dan Ashworth is looking to bring to St James’ Park.
There have been no reports from the British media about Minteh heading to Tyneside, but the man himself has now commented on a move to Newcastle.
‘Of course’ Yankuba Minteh wants to sign for Newcastle
Minteh scored for Odense on Monday night, netting in a 2-2 draw with Lyngby. After the game, the 18-year-old spoke to Viaplay and was asked about a move away this summer – possibly to Newcastle.
“I am ready to take the next step, and it will only be good for me,” he said.
“You should probably take that with my agent. I don’t know anything about that [joining Newcastle].
“Of course I want to go to Newcastle. It’s a big club in the Premier League and they’re on to something good. They are fighting for a place in the Champions League.”
One for the future
Minteh is very upbeat about the possibility of signing for Newcastle, which speaks volumes about our progress. We are a club where young players believe they can fulfil their potential.
Garang Kuol made a similar move at the start of the year, with the Magpies beating some strong competition to secure is signature.
If we can add Minteh to the group too, Ashworth will have brought in two teenage wingers who could save us an absolute fortune in the future. That is the ambition, with the club looking to sign players at a young age who can develop into superstars.
That must be the hope for Minteh – otherwise the Magpies would not be trying to bring him to St James’ Park.
He is coy about a deal being close, but very open about his desire to join Eddie Howe’s side.
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