Transfer Notebook: Newcastle take steps to avoid rivals hijacking €60m transfer

Newcastle are set to ramp up their interest in Freiburg star Johan Manzambi.

Manzambi is the Magpies’ top target after excelling for Switzerland at the World Cup.

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The Magpies are keen to wrap up a deal for the 20-year-old as soon as possible to avert the risk of a hijack.

Sources in Germany suggest Freiburg are holding out for a fee of €60million.

Scott to be

Bournemouth are staying steadfast in their determination to resist all offers for midfielder Alex Scott.

Arsenal have held exploratory talks with the Cherries over Scott, who is also on Manchester United‘s list of potential midfield targets.

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However, owner Bill Foley is adamant neither Scott nor sought-after Eli Junior Kroupi are for sale this summer.

Scott has held talks over signing a new contract likely to include a release clause.

Bournemouth insiders say they are relaxed either way.

No Rush

Brighton expect goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to stay for at least one more season.

Verbruggen has been eyed by both Tottenham and Bayern Munich and was said to be putting a decision over his future on hold until after the World Cup.

However, Brighton are planning for the Dutch international to be their No.1 as they embark on a second ever European campaign in the Conference League.

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Verbruggen not leaving will have direct implications on Carl Rushworth, who wants to join Coventry permanently after helping lead them into the Premier League.

Have some of Mac

West Ham are eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest misfit James McAtee.

Landing McAtee was seen as a coup for Forest when they paid Manchester City £30m for him last summer.

However, the England under-21 international played only 14 Premier League games.

West Ham have money to spend after selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85m.

They believe Forest would be open to a sale.

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No Mes-ing about

And talkSPORT understands Arsenal are closing in on the signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer.

Meslier has been without a club since leaving Leeds United upon the expiration of his contract on June 30.

However, the Frenchman is set for an unexpected move to the Premier League champions to act as an understudy to first choice keeper David Raya.

The 26-year-old could make a few appearances for the Gunners under his belt in the upcoming season as current stand-in Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Kepa joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer, making 12 appearances for the north London side with just one of them coming in the Premier League.

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