Nottingham Forest now looking to gazump Newcastle United in pursuit of 'priority target'

Newcastle United have quite the shopping list heading into the summer transfer window, but one name has long been said to be at the top of that list.

The Magpies desperately need to sign a right winger in the summer, with just Jacob Murphy a true fit for that position in the squad as things stand following Miguel Almiron's departure in January.

Newcastle have reportedly identified Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo as a 'priority target' for that position, which probably places him at the top of the summer transfer wishlist overall.

Indeed, Newcastle have long been seen as the favourites for the Cameroon international's signature this summer, but now Nottingham Forest could be about to throw their hat in the ring.

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Nottingham Forest set to pursue Bryan Mbeumo

A report by Give Me Sport claims that Nottingham Forest are set to divert their attention to Mbuemo as it becomes increasingly likely that Matheus Cunha, another Newcastle target, prefers a move to Old Trafford this summer.

Forest have reportedly identified Mbeumo as the ideal player for their transition-heavy play style.

Mbeumo is expected to cost around £50 million this summer, which will be good business for Brentford given that he is entering the final year of his deal.

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Champions League qualification could be key to the Bryan Mbeumo transfer saga

Champions League qualification could play a major role here with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest fighting for a spot in Europe's elite competition. Should one miss out, it could sway Bryan Mbeumo's thinking.

Newcastle also have their eye on Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, and the Bryan Mbeumo saga could kick-off a domino effect which sees MGW on the move too.

We expect that Newcastle would still be favourites to sign Bryan Mbeumo, they've been keeping tabs on him all season, and if they're still keen at this point, they've definitely seen something they like, so won't give up the fight so easily.

Although, saying that, our board are notoriously stubborn when it comes to clubs trying to gouge extra money out of us, so we'll just have to wait and see.