Here is your 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Mudryk competition
Newcastle United are among a host of European clubs linked with highly-rated Ukraine international Mykhalo Mudryk. The Magpies landed Alexander Isak in a club-record deal this summer, but Eddie Howe is reportedly still keen on bolstering his attacking options.
Mudryk has enjoyed an impressive rise with Shakhtar Donetsk, and is said to be valued by his club at around £50 million. Arsenal and Everton have also been linked, but Ligue 1 outfit Nice are now reportedly leading the race.
The French side are said to be willing to pay in the region of £25m along with incentives, according to the Sun. The report outlines Brentford are the 'main English club in the hunt', with the expectation an early Champions League exit could lead Shakhtar to lower their demands.
Van de Beek 'surplus to requirements'
Donny Van de Beek has so far been restricted to 19 minutes of action this season, despite the appointment of former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag. The Netherlands international was the subject of interest from Newcastle in January, but opted for a loan move to Everton.
The Manchester United midfielder made just seven appearances for the Toffees, and could again be facing a January decision over his future according to journalist Peter O'Rourke. He told GiveMeSport: “He finds himself sort of surplus to requirements at Manchester United right now and it’s going to be interesting to see what happens with van de Beek in January.
“Will he look to move on in search of regular first-team football or will he get more opportunities in the Manchester United team? But, right now, it does seem like it’s going to be a tough, long season ahead for van de Beek if the opportunities aren’t going to be given to him by ten Hag.”
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