MANCHESTER UNITED could miss out on signing Donny van de Beek as Newcastle look set to enter the race for his signature, according to reports.
The Ajax star, 23, has been on the Red Devils’ radar for the last year after making a name for himself during the Dutch side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.
But according to Le10 Sport in France, the Magpies are showing interest in the midfielder and could make a bid this summer.
The Dutch star is thought to be valued at around £44million.
With the Toon edging towards a Saudi-backed takeover, they could soon become the club with the richest owners in the Premier League.
And they will surely not be afraid to splash the cash to help get the club back to the top of English football once again.
Newcastle were also linked with an audacious plot to swoop for Kalidou Koulibaly with the sale by Mike Ashley getting closer.
Napoli currently value the centre-back at around £90m but that asking price could well drop significantly as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
New owners at St James’ Park could also mean a new manager with Mauricio Pochettino or a return for Rafael Benitez on the cards to replace Steve Bruce.
And gaffers of that calibre would undoubtedly be able to attract big names to the club.
In a similar way, Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment at Everton was in part because of his reputation within the game and ability to draw in new signings.
Manchester United have plenty of other targets to go after should their bid for Van de Beek fail.
Jack Grealish is high on their summer wish list, despite his lockdown misdemeanours.
The £80m-rated Aston Villa captain has played predominantly as a left-winger this season, cutting in and causing plenty of problems for Premier League defences.
With Bruno Fernandes excelling since his £55m arrival at Old Trafford in January, the need for a No10 playmaker is not so desperate.
But Van de Beek is comfortable pushing on or slightly deeper and therefore could be a smart signing.
However, Real Madrid still look to be favourites to sign the Ajax man, who has ten goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances this season.
Los Blancos want Paul Pogba in midfield and remain keen on his French team-mate N’Golo Kante as well as Miralem Pjanic.
But the Le10 Sport report adds that Zinedine Zidane – who was keen last summer – may go for Van de Beek instead as a back-up option if he cannot land his primary targets.
The 2019 Ballon d’Or nominee’s agent confirmed although there had been plenty of interest, his client’s future is still undecided.
Guido Albers told Voetbal International: “The interest has been – and that is also known – for a long time and from several clubs.
“We will see what will come out of that in the coming weeks. I dare not say anything about it at the moment. I can’t say anything about it because a number of things are just confidential.
“The situation will have changed for each club and we have to look closely at that.”
