Newcastle United have made an approach to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as they look to replace Bruno Guimaraes, who was sold to Arsenal for £75m. The Magpies were reluctant to lose the Brazil international, who had become a fans' favourite at St James' Park over four seasons, but Arsenal's strong pursuit and Guimaraes' desire to leave forced the sale.
Jaissle wants experienced midfielder
New boss Matthias Jaissle, who replaced Eddie Howe, wants a more experienced midfielder to arrive at St James' Park. Newcastle have already brought in 20-year-old Aladji Bamba and 18-year-old Sean Steur, but neither is seen as a direct replacement for Guimaraes.
Newcastle recently expressed interest in former Tottenham captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but BBC Sport report that he is 'only one of a handful of options Newcastle are considering'. A separate report from the Daily Mail says Newcastle have made an approach to sign Baleba, who Jaissle is said to be an 'admirer' of.
Baleba was a Man Utd target
Baleba was close to joining Manchester United this time last year only to stay on the south coast. United were widely tipped to revive their interest this summer but turned to other options, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Michael Carrick remains open to signing a third new midfielder, but the £35m deal for Tielemans is already the best buy of the summer, according to Nicky Butt. 'I think Youri Tielemans is the best signing of the transfer window,' Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, sponsored by Midnite. 'Looking at his fee, his age, his experience – he's played in the Champions League and World Cups and he's a great footballer. I think that's a brilliant signing for Manchester United.'
Asked who he rates as the best signing of the summer transfer window, Butt added: 'I think it's Youri Tielemans. If he was up at £70m or £80m I would give you a different answer but you need to look at the value for money. If Manchester United get the right players around him I think he will be the best summer signing.'
Opening fixture
Jaissle's first Premier League game in charge of Newcastle will be a tricky clash against Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.
