Newcastle United have held high-level meetings over the weekend to get their transfer window back on track after their bid for Johan Manzambi was hijacked by Aston Villa. Chronicle Live has been told Newcastle chiefs are refusing to panic after Manzambi went cold on them over the weekend, with Aston Villa muscling in to try to get a deal done for the £49 million star. Despite having a fee agreed with SC Freiburg and the player's word he was receptive to a wage offer, Newcastle discovered Villa's involvement on Sunday afternoon.
Plan B Already in Place
But it is not a case of going back to the drawing board for United as they have other options lined up. Rather than any knee-jerk reactions, sporting director Ross Wilson will calmly assess the club's recruitment options. And it has been stressed that work is quietly ongoing behind the scenes, and Newcastle are more than capable of working quickly on deals, as the move for Sean Steur proved with Ajax last week.
Surprises Up Their Sleeves
Despite a public perception of every deal being played out with the full glare of social media, Newcastle are believed to have one or two surprises up their sleeves. Newcastle are eager to get deals done after the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, with PIF's vow to spend every penny earned on new stars.
Bruno Guimaraes Situation
The Magpies will also be trying to seek clarity on where Bruno Guimaraes stands after a series of leaks from the Arsenal camp that the Gunners will soon bid for his services. Newcastle are keen to get Bruno's take on the situation with his agents and third parties swamping the transfer saga that has rocked Eddie Howe and his staff. The Magpies maintain their captain isn't for sale but fresh reports that the player has told the club directly that he wants to leave emerged at the weekend. United want to speak to the player, but Guimaraes isn't expected back to pre-season training for a couple of weeks, with United's non-World Cup players reporting back today.
