Newcastle’s transfer dreams may be dashed if Manchester United beat them to the top spot in the Premier League last year.
Manchester United’s refusal to approve a trade for midfielder Scott McTominay might put an end to Newcastle’s £45 million transfer fantasy. The Scotland international had been expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, but teenager sensation Kobbie Mainoo broke his ankle during the Red Devils’ preseason loss to Real Madrid on Thursday, so Erik ten Hag’s transfer intentions may have changed.
Newcastle have been tracking McTominay this summer as they look to build a squad that can compete in the Champions League. The Magpies booked their place in the top tier of this season’s European competition after exceeding expectations to secure a fourth-place Premier League finish last time around.
But Eddie Howe’s team could suffer the ultimate disappointment in their transfer quest as McTominay, who only started 10 Premier League matches last term, may still be needed at Old Trafford.
Mainoo’s rapid progression this year has led some people to predict that the 18-year-old would jump above McTominay in the United pecking order this season. But the youngster will now miss the early stages of the new campaign after he limped off in the opening minutes of the 2-0 defeat to Real.
“Manchester United can confirm that Kobbie Mainoo suffered an ankle injury during the match against Real Madrid on Tour 2023,” read a statement from the 13-time Premier League champions.
“The midfielder is expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season. He has flown home from Tour to the UK where further assessment of his injury will take place before a medical decision on the next steps.”
McTominay came through the United academy and has racked-up 19 goals in 209 appearances for the north west giants. But his long-term prospects of playing a key role at Old Trafford have diminished under Ten Hag.
According to The Times, West Ham are also interested in prising McTominay away from Manchester and presented a verbal offer for the 26-year-old. But their fee fell short of United’s £45m valuation. The Hammers could knock on the door once again in the coming weeks, as could Newcastle, as interest in the Scottish star heats up. And McTominay could even end up back in his homeland, with Celtic thought to be keen to snap him up as well.
Ten Hag could reassess the situation if United complete a deal for Fiorentina ace Sofyan Amrabat, but for now the Dutchman could be keeping his options open and may avoid rushing into any transfer decision.
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