Newcastle United have come alive in the transfer market this summer and are stepping up efforts to revamp manager Eddie Howe’s squad.
According to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Magpies have now turned their attention to SC Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi.
Newcastle are planning for life after Sandro Tonali following his big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur.
They have two highly-rated midfielders in their extensive shortlist, but Manzambi is considered a primary target, particularly after his World Cup heroics with Switzerland.
Manzambi took the chance to showcase his talent on the biggest stage in world football, notching three goals and two assists to help Switzerland reach the World Cup knockout stage.
Manzambi helped Freiburg secure a Europa Conference League spot by finishing seventh last season.
He played a key role, bagging seven goals and nine assists in 47 games across all competitions.
His performances this summer have naturally attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with Newcastle among the clubs eager to sign him.
He’s incredibly versatile, and his ability to influence games in both attacking and midfield roles has made him one of the Bundesliga’s most sought-after young players.
Newcastle’s interest is strong, but there’s still some way to go before a deal can be agreed.
Freiburg have already made it clear that it would take a bid of around €60 million (£51.2m) to lure Manzambi away from Europa-Park Stadion this summer.
Newcastle are also keeping an eye on VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. But any deal for the German midfielder will also be tricky considering he has admirers at Real Madrid.
He could be a cost-effective option for the Magpies, with his release clause reportedly pegged at around €36.5m (£31m).
