What UEFA have said about Newcastle transfer target Johan Bakayoko after his game against Liverpool for PSV

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Newcastle United continue to be linked with PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko.

The signing of a new right winger is believed to be a priority for Newcastle, who have now seen their squad weakened somewhat amid links with Bakayoko.

Miguel Almiron has left Newcastle to join former club Atlanta United, leaving only Jacob Murphy as a natural right winger in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Newcastle are unlikely to sign anyone in January but the PSV star has been linked with a move for a while now.

It’s believed Newcastle retain an interest in Bakayoko and perhaps that could be revisited this summer.

For viewers unfamiliar with the Belgian international, the 21-year-old put on a good showing as the Dutch side beat Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Newcastle United transfer target Johan Bakayoko praised for performance against Liverpool

The forward scored his side’s first goal in what proved to be a 3-2 win over the Reds, albeit Arne Slot’s side still went through to the last 16.

It was a brilliant turn and finish from Bakayoko, who also drew the foul from which Liverpool youngster Amara Nallo was sent off on his debut late on.

As such, Bakayoko was named the Man of the Match by the UEFA Technical Observer Panel.

Via UEFA’s official website, they said: “He demonstrated good dribbling, scored a great goal, and also defended well.”

Johan Bakayoko compared to former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin

Bakayoko has been compared to former Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, albeit the former largely operates on the right of the attack rather than the left.

A look at the statistics paint a promising picture, too.

Bakayoko this season has scored more goals than Saint-Maximin during his final campaign as a Newcastle player, all while beating him for shots and key passes per game too.

Clearly, the Dutch top flight is arguably a step below the Premier League but Bakayoko does appear to have the capacity for an improved end product.