Newcastle United's 'primary target' could be set to stay put this summer as big-money move stalls
Going into the summer transfer window, Newcastle United had four positions they had earmarked for improvement, with a right-winger thought to be the highest priority for the Magpies.
The right wing ended up being where Eddie Howe would make the first breakthrough in the market, signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for around £55 million.
However, it was strongly believed that Newcastle's 'priority target' heading into the summer trading period was Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.
Newcastle fans watched on as Manchester United took the lead in the race for the Cameroon winger after it was reported that Newcastle had walked away after realising the money that would be involved in the deal.
Brentford have moved the goalposts in Bryan Mbeumo talks
It has since been reported that, despite Thomas Frank's defection to Tottenham, Mbeumo is happy to stay at Brentford, but if he does move, it will only be to Man United, and he won't follow Frank to Spurs.
However, now Brentford are reportedly playing hardball with The Guardian claiming Mbeumo's move to Old Trafford is on the rocks after the London club pushed up their asking price to £70 million.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is adamant he won't pay over the £65 million they thought they'd agreed on for the winger, who also comes with some outrageous wage demands.
Newcastle have played a blinder, walking away from the Bryan Mbeumo deal
Newcastle's decision to walk away has proved to be the right one, as Brentford's tactics are very reminiscent of Crystal Palace last year over Marc Guehi. Forever adding a couple of million to the price until the deal breaks down entirely.
Brentford are fending off interest for Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, and are only prepared to lose one this summer, so it seems like they are biding their time.
Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga is enjoying training with his new club in Austria, arriving for a lot less and demanding a lot less in wages, and is likely to be just as good as Mbeumo. It has been a frustrating summer, but we can't knock the results so far.
