Liverpool could capitalise on Newcastle PSR problems with '£40m exit on the cards'

Liverpool boss Arne Slot could reunite with one of his former players by raiding Newcastle for the services of winger Yankuba Minteh this summer. The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Feyenoord last season and could reportedly be on the move before the new campaign gets underway.

Newcastle will need to sell players this summer to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules and Minteh is said to be among those who could leave. According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are reluctantly willing to accept bids in the region of £40million for the Gambia international.

It is said that Liverpool have already expressed an interest in bringing Minteh to Anfield, with Slot a huge admirer of his talents. He lavished praise on the teenager last season and reportedly believes he has the potential to emerge as one of the best forwards in Europe.

Speaking to Dutch media after Feyenoord’s win over Go Ahead Eagles in October, Slot said: “He certainly doesn’t lack self-confidence. His willingness to give everything is enormous. When we see his statistics, it is really impressive.

“Minteh runs more sprint metres against Ajax in an hour than many other boys do in two games. He is incredibly fast and he wants it so badly.”

Liverpool are unlikely to be the only club in the race for Minteh, with several other sides thought to be keen on snapping him up. The report adds that teams in Italy and Germany have been keeping close tabs on his development and could rival the Reds for his signature over the coming weeks.

Newcastle are said to rate Minteh highly and would prefer to keep him around, with Eddie Howe eager to take a closer look in pre-season. However, their concerns over profit and sustainability will reportedly see him sold for the right price if a suitable offer comes in.

The Magpies are said to believe that a sale would be in Minteh’s best interests despite him being held in high regard at St James’ Park. The fact they will not be playing in Europe next season is likely to limit the teenager to a bit-part role. He could also slip down the pecking order if Newcastle sign another winger, which is said to be a top priority.

A move to Liverpool would potentially be a shrewd one, given that Minteh already knows Slot well after excelling under his guidance at Feyenoord. However, there would be questions over the amount of game time he would receive at Anfield with Liverpool boasting a wealth of talent in the forward positions.