O'Rourke: Newcastle lay the groundwork for 'huge signing'

Newcastle United are plotting a move to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo in what would be a “huge” deal, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Newcastle identified him as a top target as they want to add an inverted right-winger to their squad.

However, he also warned that a deal could be difficult for the Magpies to pull off given the level of interest in his signature from rival clubs.

Football Insider revealed on 21 October that Arsenal are plotting a move to sign the 25-year-old as they are keen to improve their attacking options.

Mbeumo’s ability to play across the front line is also viewed as a valuable asset by both clubs who have growing concerns about their depth on the wing and up top.

Newcastle are expected to be limited in their January transfer window activity given concerns surrounding profit and sustainability rules, and this deal would have to wait until the summer.

Newcastle United plotting move to sign Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has enjoyed an excellent start to the season at Brentford, finding the net eight times in ten Premier League appearances from the wing.

That form has raised interest from clubs across the Premier League including Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool, as speculation about his future intensifies.

The Cameroon international penned a new deal with Brentford in 2022 to extend his stay in West London until the summer of 2026.

As a result, there is a feeling that a breakthrough in talks can be established next summer when he will have just one year remaining, as they could be tempted to cash in.

Mbeumo is viewed as a potential statement signing for the Magpies amid concerns about their ambition in the transfer market after a difficult window last time out.

Football Insider revealed on 3 November that the Bees are likely to accept offers of around £50million to let their star man leave, but are reluctant to let him go in January.

As a result, Newcastle have begun laying down the groundwork ahead of a potential summer deal at the end of the current season.

In other news, Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Alexander Isak.

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