For a player who has never actually played for Newcastle United, Yankuba Minteh has been in the headlines of late.
The Gambian teenager had been expected to get a chance in pre-season at Newcastle as Eddie Howe prepared to get a closer look at him.
Minteh thrilled during a loan spell at Feyenoord last season and has been backed to reach “world class” levels, so it’s easy to see why there’s so much excitement.
Still, his development – whether he reaches the levels expected of him or not – seemingly won’t continue at Newcastle.
With the club under pressure to sell amid FFP restrictions, they have reportedly accepted that Minteh may need to depart.
The player himself is also thought to be aware he may need to leave amid a host of enquiries from around Europe.
Everton were linked with a move for the 19-year-old and Minteh was understood to have been keen on that particular move.
Things have stalled since, however, with the deal thought to be off – as well as the potential move to bring Dominic Calvert-Lewin to St James’ Park.
Why Yankuba Minteh wants to leave Newcastle as Everton deal collapses
However, according to The Chronicle, Minteh is still keen to leave in pursuit of Premier League football.
Brighton are also reportedly interested in a move for the teenager, who is already understood to have agreed terms with a mystery club.
Yankuba Minteh will not be a popular sale at Newcastle
In an ideal world, Newcastle wouldn’t have to sell a player with such huge hype around him.
Still, if that is the way to raise funds without selling either Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak, then perhaps it’s a necessarily evil.
That’s not to say it would go down well of course.
Members of the Newcastle backroom staff reportedly believe he shouldn’t be sold and want to watch him strut his stuff on Tyneside after such an impressive loan spell last season.
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