Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna, challenging Brighton & Hove Albion for the highly rated AIK Fotboll star.
The Magpies are reported to have submitted a €24m bid for the youngster despite Brighton already reaching a verbal agreement with the player and remaining in advanced talks with the Swedish club.
Brighton moved for Yohanna after tabling a €24m offer, with negotiations continuing as the club prepares for a return to European football following an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
The Seagulls are expected to strengthen their squad this summer, with Adam Webster departing at the end of his contract and veteran midfielder James Milner retiring.
However, reports from Sweden indicate that Newcastle have now joined the chase in an attempt to hijack the deal.
Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg said: “Newcastle have entered the race for Zadok Yohanna. The interest is concrete.
“However, Yohanna and Brighton have an agreement in place, as revealed and now 100 per cent confirmed again.”
According to Plettenberg, Brighton remain determined to complete the transfer despite growing competition.
He said: “Brighton are still in direct negotiations with AIK. Brighton are not giving up despite Newcastle and other clubs. A decision is expected soon.”
Swedish outlet Expressen also reported that Newcastle’s proposal includes performance-related bonuses as part of the package being discussed with AIK.
The publication stated: “Expressen understands that negotiations are ongoing between the clubs and sources also confirm that Brighton are still in the picture and are pushing hard to sign Yohanna in competition with Newcastle.
“French club Rennes are also in the picture, as Expressen has previously reported, as well as another club in the Premier League.”
Yohanna is now on course to become the most expensive sale in the history of Sweden’s Allsvenskan league, just over a year after joining AIK from Nigeria.
The winger has impressed since breaking into AIK’s first team, recording five goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, mainly operating from the right flank.
With Brighton, Newcastle and other clubs pursuing his signature, a decision on the Nigerian’s future is expected in the coming days.
