Newcastle United have been told by the mother of transfer target Said El Mala that the 19-year-old Cologne midfielder is not interested in a move to St. James' Park. Sabrina El Mala informed the club on two occasions – once in spring and again in June – that her son will not become a Newcastle player this summer, according to German outlet BILD.
Mother's Final Decision
Sabrina El Mala made it clear that Said will only move to England if a 'very top tier club' makes an approach. This rejection has forced Newcastle to switch focus to other targets, including Bazoumana Toure, who was at Hoffenheim at the time of the approach. Toure, 20, joins the club after making three appearances for Ivory Coast in the World Cup.
Newcastle's Summer Transfer Activity
Newcastle have been busy in the transfer market, but much of their activity has been in sales rather than purchases. Before the World Cup, Anthony Gordon left for Barcelona in a deal worth more than £69.3 million. Sandro Tonali is also expected to move to Tottenham Hotspur after the Magpies accepted a deal worth an initial £92.5 million plus £7.5 million in add-ons.
On the incoming side, ex-Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen has been signed, along with Toure. The pair are the only players to join the club so far this summer. Other targets such as Chelsea's Andrey Santos, Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller, and Monaco's Lamine Camara have been linked, but Santos is now close to joining Manchester United.
Sean Steur Deal Agreed
One positive for Newcastle is the agreement of a £23 million plus £3 million in add-ons deal for 18-year-old Ajax prodigy Sean Steur. A medical is expected in the coming days, and his arrival will help fill the gap left by Tonali's expected departure.
Newcastle are also reportedly set to open negotiations with Freiburg for Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has three goals and two assists in four World Cup games. The club is doing its best to retain captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, but Newcastle insist he will not be sold this summer.
