Newcastle United are reportedly looking at Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari for when they end up selling Sandro Tonali to one of his suitors at some point this summer.
Tonali remains a top target for Tottenham, while Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked and could still enter a bidding war. Newcastle have placed a value of around £100million on the Italy international, with Spurs expected to return with a bigger bid after seeing an opening offer rejected.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle
are ready to move for Ayari if/when Tonali departs, although it remains unclear whether Brighton would entertain offers.
“It’s an interesting one, this for Brighton, because Ayari is going into the final year of his contract at the Amex,” Pete O’Rourke said. “Brighton have got a decision to make about whether they try and tie him down to a new contract, or whether they’re ready to let him move on this summer.
“If nothing can be agreed this is probably their last chance to cash in on him and Newcastle will be hoping that might allow them to land the Sweden International maybe for a cut-price fee. So, Brighton have got a decision to make, and I’m sure Newcastle are monitoring this contract situations right now, ready to pounce if he does become available.”
Ayari was valued at around £20million last year, but interest has increased after another season of progress and his performances for Sweden at the World Cup.
The 22-year-old is entering the final year of his Brighton contract, which could become a factor if the club cannot agree an extension. Ayari would represent a younger and cheaper option, but Newcastle would still need Brighton to engage in talks.
For now, the Sweden international has emerged as one of the names under consideration, but no formal offer has been reported.
