El Mala camp reject Newcastle in favour of Premier League rivals - Report
While Newcastle United have been enjoying success with their South American scouting mission, things aren't going as smoothly closer to home.
Newcastle were thought to be one of several Premier League sides chasing the signature of FC Koln teenager Said El Mala.
The 19-year-old has attracted a lot of interest with his performances in the Bundesliga this season, where he's scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 28 appearances.
Chelsea and Brighton have both been linked with the German, who plays primarily on the left wing, but can play on the right or as a central attacking midfielder.
Said El Mala's family has rejected Newcastle
Unfortunately, a new report coming out of Germany from Sport Bild via Bulinews claims that El Mala's family has rejected an approach from Newcastle.
The report claims that the player is leaning towards a move to Brighton over Newcastle or Chelsea, but Koln's €50 million (£43.6m) price tag could put off the Seagulls, who have indicated they are only willing to pay €35 million (£30.5m) for his services.
That could leave the door slightly open for Newcastle to try again if negotiations stall between FC Koln and Brighton.
Newcastle are down but not out
There's no reason given in the report as to what's attracting El Mala to Brighton over Newcastle and Chelsea, but Brighton have a good track record of uncovering players, giving them time to play in the PRemeir League and selling them on for huge profit, so perhaps Said El Mala believes he can follow a similar path in England rather than trying to jump the queue.
If El Mala were to move to Newcastle or Chelsea, he'd have to try to displace some top players for his preferred position, so it's not an unwise move for the teenager.
This one obviously isn't dead yet, but it does feel highly unlikely at this stage.
Rumour rating: 4/10 - Rejecting Newcastle for Brighton makes sense for a young star with first-team ambitions, so we'd be amazed if we could pull this one off.
