Newcastle Open Talks to Sign FC Koln Winger Said El Mala

Newcastle United have opened negotiations with FC Koln over a £43m deal to sign teenage winger Said El Mala as a replacement for Anthony Gordon.

The Tyneside club are seeking attacking reinforcements following Gordon’s lucrative £70m departure to Barcelona.

Manager Eddie Howe is planning a major squad overhaul after a disappointing 12th-placed Premier League finish last season.

Missing out on European competition entirely has accelerated the need to rebuild the playing staff at St James’ Park.

Brentford bid rejected by player

The highly-rated German forward has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga.

He registered 13 goals and four assists in just 20 starts for the Cologne-based side.

Those impressive performances recently prompted Premier League rivals Brentford to table a successful bid of €45m plus €5m in add-ons.

However, the 19-year-old subsequently turned down a move to the Bees, paving the way for the Magpies to step in.

Securing an agreement with the player’s representatives presents a unique challenge for the English side.

The winger is represented by his parents, who are reportedly insisting on a double transfer agreement.

They want any purchasing club to also sign his older brother, Malik, who currently plays for the same German outfit.

The Newcastle hierarchy must now decide whether to accommodate this familial request to land their primary attacking target.

Rival clubs are acutely aware of the substantial funds available to Newcastle following their recent high-profile sale.

Howe’s recruitment team must carefully navigate potential price hikes as they search for adequate quality on the flanks.

The German teenager will likely have noted the successful development of young forwards on Tyneside, such as Alexander Isak.

A successful conclusion to these talks would represent a major step forward in Newcastle’s summer rebuilding project.