Shock inside Newcastle United as Paul Mitchell loses defender to another team

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Newcastle United are sick of the sight of Manchester City in the January transfer window.

Paul Mitchell has been searching for reinforcements, with Newcastle holding talks to sign Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens.

He is now a Premier League player, but Khusanov has joined Manchester City instead.

The Magpies have missed out, with Newcastle miffed by Khusanov’s asking price increasing. He ended up costing Man City £33.8million.

Now Newcastle United are set to miss out on another defender to Manchester City, as Juma Bah prepares to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

Newcastle United react to missing out on Juma Bah deal

Newcastle United have been linked with Juma Bah, but he is on his way to Manchester City.

That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle United missing out on the 18-year-old centre-back.

“Secretly, he was one who Newcastle United really liked a lot,” he said.

“But you could argue they should have got it done early. There was a very small window to get a deal done. But there was one there for Newcastle, and they haven’t done it.

“I’m told Newcastle thought they were in pole position to sign him. They thought they were in good shape. A lot of people are saying he’s a youth player, but he would have been on the edge of the first-team. He’s playing first-team football in Spain and he’s doing very well – he’s a very good player from what I’m told from speaking to scouts. He could be fast-tracked very quickly.

“Inter Milan wanted Bah too, but Newcastle thought they were very well placed.”

Manchester City to beat Newcastle United to two centre-backs

This is suddenly becoming a very busy January transfer window for Manchester City, while Newcastle United are unable to strengthen.

That could be pivotal in the race to qualify for the Champions League, while deals for Khusanov and Bah will strengthen Manchester City for years to come – in a position that Newcastle are short of options.

“They’ve missed out on another one after Abdukodir Khusanov,” Bailey added.

“Paul Mitchell will be pretty sick of the sight of Txiki Begiristain at the moment.

“It’s a blow to miss out on both of them, as Bah and Khusanov could be special.”

Newcastle’s loss is certainly Manchester City’s gain, with the Premier League champions also signing Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. On top of that, they are aiming to finalise a deal for Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush.