Newcastle United are reportedly trying to get ahead of Aston Villa in the race to sign Yves Bissouma, valued at £50 million by Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to Daily Mail, Newcastle United have joined the chase for Yves Bissouma and are hoping to pip their Premier League rivals, like Aston Villa, in pursuit of the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder. There is no indication if they are willing to match Brighton’s £50 million asking price.
Yves Bissouma has been on the minds of many top Premier League teams, including Arsenal and Liverpool, for a long time, although Brighton have managed to keep him at the Amex Stadium. But there could be significant movements this month as there are only 18 months left on the Malian’s deal with the club.
Brighton are asking for £50 million to part with Bissouma, which could be deemed excessive by Premier League sides, who could wait until the summer to let his value drop further. However, with interest mounting, clubs might be forced to pay a premium on the player if they wish to sign him this month.
Aston Villa have been in the hunt for Bissouma in the ongoing transfer window, although the price tag bothers them. They have been looking at alternate options such as Juventus’s Rodrigo Bentancur, among others, with Steven Gerrard eager to bring in a defensive midfielder this winter.
Now, Aston Villa have been joined by Newcastle United in the race to sign Bissouma, with the Magpies hoping to understand what Brighton might need to let the midfielder go. The Seagulls are in a healthy position on the Premier League table and consider the Malian essential to their plans for the season.
However, if clubs meet their £50 million valuation, Brighton could let him leave midway through the season. Clubs might try to reach a middle ground, although it is unclear if Brighton will accept an amount lower than their original asking price.
Newcastle are looking to sign a defensive midfielder, although their current focus remains on bringing in a quality central defender. They are getting closer to signing a centre-back and are hoping to sign Bissouma or some other midfielder else before the close of the window.
With the winter break coming up next week, the Magpies could shift their focus towards the transfer market as they prepare for a relegation battle. But with Aston Villa also in the hunt, Newcastle United could have a tough task to land the 25-year-old midfielder, his £50 million price tag notwithstanding.
