Newcastle United’s search for a new star midfielder suffered another setback on Friday after Tottenham Hotspur rejected an opening bid for Lucas Bergvall.
Bergvall made 33 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring once and adding five assists before an ankle injury sidelined him between January and March.
The Magpies have been looking to strengthen the middle of the pitch following Sandro Tonali’s departure, and it looks like Bergvall emerged as the new Eddie Howe’s No. 1 target despite
knowing Tottenham’s reluctance to sell.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle submitted an offer worth around €54 million (£46 million) for the Sweden international, but Spurs immediately turned it down.
The report adds that the bid was higher than Nottingham Forest’s previous offers to sign Bergvall, although Tottenham has rejected every approach received for the 20-year-old so far.
While Spurs continue to resist any sale of their midfielder, The Athletic reported Tottenham could reconsider if an offer reaches a figure the club views as acceptable.
Adding to the saga is the fact that Bergvall, while under contract until 2031, has already informed the Spurs that he wants to leave this summer in search of more regular playing time. The Athletic first reported the midfielder’s desire to move in June, and interest has continued to grow from clubs in both England and across Europe.
Newcastle’s pursuit comes after missing out on former No. 1 transfer target Johan Manzambi, who ultimately joined Aston Villa, while the club is also working to reshape its midfield following Tonali’s move to, of all teams, Tottenham.
Although Newcastle has now seen its opening offer rejected, The Athletic reports that Tottenham’s position is not inflexible and will likely change given the player’s preference for an exit.
