Newcastle United had high hopes heading into the summer window.
With European football returning to St. James’ Park, the club is expected to make bold moves in the market.
And that includes bringing in another quality forward to help ease the load on Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
The Magpies are looking to add pace, creativity, and goals in the wide areas.
The recruitment team had quietly identified a player who ticked every box; Premier League experience, proven output, and the hunger to step up to a bigger challenge.
Talks had been brewing behind the scenes, and there was real hope that Newcastle could pull it off. But things have changed.
Newcastle United primary target chooses Manchester United transfer
One of the club’s top attacking targets is now leaning towards a move elsewhere and not just anywhere. It’s Manchester United who are expected to win the race. That player is Bryan Mbeumo.
According to The Athletic, the Brentford forward has made it clear he prefers a move to Old Trafford if a deal is agreed.
While Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were all in the mix, the Cameroon international seems to have his heart set on playing under Ruben Amorim.
This is a blow for Newcastle. Mbeumo had impressed with his ability to play across the front line, combining clever movement with a strong work ethic, something that would’ve fit well into Eddie Howe’s system.
Brentford are expected to demand around £60 million, which Newcastle were hesitant to match in full.
There were concerns internally about overpaying, especially with FFP limits to consider and other priorities in midfield and defence.
With Bryan Mbeumo choosing Manchester United, Newcastle will now need to move on to other names.
The scouting team had also been tracking a few younger options and could return to those targets in the coming weeks.
The Magpies may have missed out on Mbeumo, but the plan remains clear: improve the depth, add competition, and make the squad stronger than last season.