What Odense staff have noticed about Yankuba Minteh in training before Newcastle move

Add as preferred source on Google

Yankuba Minteh looks set to become Newcastle United’s first signing this summer, and he sounds like a player who Eddie Howe will absolutely love working with.

After a month or so of speculation, it was reported last week that the Magpies are now close to signing the 18-year-old winger from Danish side Odense BK foraround £6million. It sounds like only a medical stands between Minteh becoming an official Newcastle United player.

The club already have plans for what to do with Minteh, with the youngster set to be loaned out initially. But there will be belief that he can eventually return and make a difference in the Premier League, with Newcastle fending off interest from other top flight teams to land the Gambian.

Dan Ashworth will hope to make a habit of bringing future stars to St James’ Park, and a new report about Minteh suggests he has the right attitude to thrive in Eddie Howe’s side when he gets the chance.

Newcastle signing Yankuba Minteh is a hard worker

According to the Athletic, staff at Odense have been impressed by how hard Minteh is willing to work. They add that he studies Europe’s top five leagues and is keen to do his defensive duties. However, the Athletic add that he is not necessarily the most effective defender.

Regardless, Minteh’s desire to work hard and improve will massively encourage Howe. Jamie Reuben recently spoke about the Toon boss only wanting to sign the right characters, and Minteh’s work ethic should mean he fits right in.

His desire to defend is encouraging too, as it is imperative that an Eddie Howe player works hard with and without the ball. Sure, he might not be very good at it right now, but Minteh’s willingness to improve means Newcastle coaches should be able to work with him and ensure he gets better.

Howe has a great track record of making players better, but they have to want to become better themselves. Luckily, it sounds like Minteh ticks that box.

That is hugely encouraging, although the start of his Newcastle United career will be spent out on loan elsewhere.