Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Friday, September 16.
Merson’s Maxi fear
Paul Merson expects “big teams” to move for Allan Saint-Maximin in the coming years. Before his injury, the Frenchman was enjoying a productive start to the season, with a goal and two assists in his opening four games.
A lack of consistency has been levelled at Saint-Maximin by critics but ex-Arsenal winger Merson thinks ironing out the issue will attract top sides. In his SportsKeeda column, he wrote: “Saint-Maximin is a player who has enhanced his reputation this season.
“But he needs to keep going at it to cement his status as a proven match-winner in the Premier League. If he adds goals and assists to his name consistently, the so-called big teams will definitely be after him.”
Howe “keen” on Mudryk
Eddie Howe has given the “green light” for Newcastle to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to Football Insider. The 21-year-old has five caps for Ukraine and two goals in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk this season.
It is no secret that the Magpies were pursuing a winger last summer but several potential deals fell through. A long-term contract means Donetsk have no desperation to sell but the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine means the league is cast in uncertainty.
Fixtures resumed this season but UEFA clashes must take place in neighbouring Poland. The report claims Howe is a “firm admirer” of Mudryk and is keen on the youngster ahead of the January transfer window.
Ukraine raid
Another Ukrainian, Viktor Tsygankov, is also tipped to join Newcastle. French outlet Jeunes Footeux lists the Magpies, alongside West Ham United and Wolves, as three Premier League clubs interested in the winger.
Tsygankov has bagged 87 goals and made 60 assists in 219 since emerging from Dynamo Kyiv’s academy in 2016. Clubs across Europe will be eyeing up the 24-year-old as his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
As a left-footed wideman who plays on the right, similarities have been drawn to a young Gareth Bale. With Saint-Maximin on the opposite flank, that combination could terrorise opposition defences next year.
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