Newcastle United are moving on to their next transfer target after the blow of losing Johan Manzambi to Aston Villa, with the Swiss midfielder opting to move to Villa Park. It comes despite United making a stunning swoop to sign Ajax midfielder Sean Steur as their incoming business ramps up. Having finally made a major breakthrough after announcing the £42m signing of Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, the move for Steur has taken the market by surprise.
Newcastle's Youth-Focused Transfer Policy
This continues the policy of hunting for some of the best young players in Europe. Toure joins young goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade Reims, and Steur would be another exciting capture, the 18-year-old deemed Dutch football's golden boy. Manager Eddie Howe still wants another new goalkeeper, full-back, midfielder and potentially a forward, but the club are also fighting off interest from Arsenal for captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Goalkeeper Target: Zion Suzuki
James Trafford remains Newcastle's No 1 goalkeeper target, but they do hold an interest in Japan shot-stopper Zion Suzuki. The USA-born keeper is set to leave Italian side Parma this summer after impressing for Japan in the World Cup. United have already signed youngster Ewen Jaouen as back-up but are on the hunt for a first-team keeper, in a move that could see Nick Pope leave St James' Park.
Transfers Plan B After Manzambi Blow
Newcastle will not panic after seeing Johan Manzambi choose Aston Villa over Newcastle, despite an agreement being in place for the Swiss star. While it's a blow to lose out on another transfer target, club insiders insist that, like Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur, United have plenty of under-the-radar transfer options they can turn to. Full details here.
The Magpies are reeling from the news that Manzambi has opted to sign for Aston Villa, but transfer chiefs insist they have plenty of other transfer plans in the pipeline, despite missing out on Manzambi so soon after seeing Victor Munoz join Liverpool. United have also been linked with Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they look to bolster their goalkeeper options.
