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Newcastle could 'hijack' last-gasp Prem transfer ahead of Chelsea and wounded Tottenham
Newcastle are reportedly ready to hijack a major Premier League transfer.
Newcastle could reportedly hijack a Premier League move for highly-rated winger Antonio Nusa before Thursday’s transfer deadline. Brentford appeared to be winning the race to sign the exciting teenager this week but have since flagged complications in his medical, potentially allowing the Magpies to swoop in.
The Bees had agreed a £25m deal with Club Brugge that would have involved Nusa returning to the Belgian club on loan for the remainder of the season. However, they are now reportedly stalling on whether to complete the transfer.
Brentford’s hesitancy to confirm the signing has allowed their Premier League rivals to take advantage. Chelsea have been linked, while Tottenham were understood to have been seriously interested in Nusa earlier in January.
According to Belgian publication HLN, Newcastle are ‘lurking’ and are ready to hijack a deal should they fail to acquire Nusa. Their interest has reportedly been prioritised by Brugge of Chelsea and Spurs, both of whom remain keen on a deal.
Brentford have not entirely given up on a deal. The west Londoners have reportedly asked for more medical information from Brugge and the Norwegian FA, Nusa’s national team.
However, if Brentford do pull the plug on the transfer, it is reported that Newcastle will be ready hijack the deal and take advantage of Nusa’s availability. The Magpies have reportedly been keeping tabs on the 18-year-old’s situation for the past few days.
It is unclear if Newcastle would be able to match the terms Brentford offered to Brugge. The Tyneside club are looking to adhere to the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations come the end of the year and are reportedly considering selling a key player to ensure they do not lose more than the permitted £105m over a three-year period.
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Meanwhile, Spurs remain interested in Nusa despite their attempts to sign him appearing to cool in recent weeks. Although Ange Postecoglou admitted it is “unlikely” that there will be any more signings made by the north Londoners in the next 48 hours.
That potentially writes off a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, too. Spurs have signed Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig and the £25m defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
Asked about the possibility of more business this month, Postecoglou said: “Unlikely, I'd say. I don't see any incoming. Outgoings are a little bit different because I'm not as engaged on that. Others are dealing with that but I'd say also unlikely."