Newcastle Makes Contact with Erling Haaland's Agent After Bruno Guimarães Exit
Newcastle United has made contact with Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, a key target to replace Bruno Guimaraes, following weeks of speculation over the German midfielder.
The Magpies have held initial discussions with Nmecha's representatives and intend to make an offer to Borussia Dortmund for the 25-year-old, according to Sky Sports Germany. L'Equipe previously identified Nmecha as Newcastle's preferred replacement for Guimaraes.
The financial details of the negotiations between Newcastle and Dortmund have not been disclosed, but the English club is aware of all the German side's demands in this matter. Dortmund's new sporting director Nils-Ole Book has already made it clear that the club would only be prepared to negotiate if an offer exceeded €100-120 million.
Newcastle's search for a new midfield leader has accelerated in recent days, with the club looking to reshape its squad following another summer of high-profile departures. The Magpies have already raised around £250 million from recent player sales, which they are now ready to use to test Dortmund's resolve.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle's former manager, was a big fan of Nmecha, but whether new head coach Matthias Jaissle shares that enthusiasm remains unclear. Dortmund would only be prepared to negotiate if an offer exceeded €100-120 million, with the club's new sporting director making it clear that astronomical sums are always theoretically possible but unlikely this summer.
A new €80 million release clause will not become active until next summer, which could be a factor in Newcastle's decision-making process. The club now appears ready to test Dortmund's resolve, but whether they are willing to reach the Bundesliga side's extraordinary valuation is an entirely different matter.
The report comes just days after L'Equipe identified Nmecha as Newcastle's preferred replacement for Guimaraes, with the French outlet stating that the English club's management is now making progress in bringing in a replacement. Any deal, however, would be one of the toughest Newcastle could attempt this summer.
Newcastle's pursuit of Nmecha would be a significant investment, but one that could pay off in the long term. The midfielder has been a key player for Borussia Dortmund, and his addition to the Magpies' squad could provide a much-needed boost.
Source: Yahoo Sports