Newcastle respond to Yankuba Minteh claims as transfer saga takes late twist

According to reports this morning, Everton are making a late push to sign Yankuba Minteh after talks broke down earlier this week.

The Chronicle report that the Toffees are attempting to get talks back on track to bring the Gambian to Goodison Park, but a deal for the winger requires them to reduce their demands significantly for Dominic Calvert-Lewin; a player we walked away from signing a few days ago due to their £37m demands.

The same piece reveals that Newcastle sources have denied claims that Minteh would be relegated to our youth team if he refuses to seal a late move to help us comply with PSR before the 30th June deadline.

It was reported yesterday that the 19-year-old could be frozen out by Eddie Howe if he refused a late move to Lyon; who are said to offering the most money at this stage. This has been rubbished by sources close to the club, says Lee Ryder, but it does seem that the youngster prefers to stay in the Premier League, which may explain why Everton have reignited their interest.

Interestingly, Everton are closing to recouping £10m as Ben Godfrey closes in on a move to Atalanta, which may ease their PSR concerns slightly and free up funds to increase their offer for Minteh. However, it seems Newcastle want Calvert-Lewin to come the other way, but won't do business for the 27-year-old striker unless their asking price drops.

The Chronicle state that the door has been left open for Newcastle to rekindle talks over Calvert-Lewin, but it seems Everton will have to up their offer for Minteh and reduce their demands for DCL if any late progress is made.

If not, we'll have to hope someone else is sold or another eniticing offer arrives for Minteh that works for the club and player, as reports suggest he isn't so keen on a move to France.