Newcastle United have considered asking Feyenoord to return young winger Yankuba Minteh to Tyneside following a successful start to his season. The youngster has been involved in five goals, scoring three himself, in 12 appearances in the Eredivisie.
Newcastle transfer news: Yankuba Minteh will not be recalled from loan in January
It's been reported by The Telegraph (paid subscription required) that Newcastle hadn't included a recall clause into the loan agreement, but had considered asking Feyenoord to return the player anyway. This in response to an injury hit season, leaving them short of options in the attack.
However, it's been decided that Minteh's development would be best suited to playing games in the Netherlands, and playing in the latter stages of their Europa League campaign, after they finished third in Champions League Group E, with Minteh scoring one goal in four appearances.
Minteh has received plenty of praise during his time with Feyenoord, with previous club legend turned pundit Willem van Hanegem describing him as "extremely dangerous". He's also urged Feyenoord to look into keeping the player for next season as well.
"I’ve enjoyed him for a few games already. That guy is extremely dangerous with his pace. If I were Feyenoord, I would now cast my doubts if he could be rented from Newcastle United for another year."Willem van Hanegem
Newcastle are likely to look to the transfer market to support during the injury crisis, with a potential move for Kalvin Phillips, which would free up Joelinton to move into a more advanced position, or Elliot Anderson can play wide upon his return from injury.
Yankuba Minteh is currently with his Gambia teammates in the Ivory Coast to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations. He'll then return to Feyenoord and see out the season with them, rejoining his Newcastle teammates in the summer. It's unlikely he'll move on loan next season, and be in or around the squad.
What do you make of today's Newcastle transfer news?