Newcastle 'front of queue' for Johan Manzambi - Craig Hope

Newcastle United are in hot pursuit of Freiburg and Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi.

The Magpies are readying a bid for the 20-year-old who has lit up the World Cup, scoring three goals and laying on two assists in four games.

While Fabrizio Romano claims that Newcastle are finally preparing an opening bid, there's still some trepidation amongst Newcastle fans who feel that the longer things drag on, the more likely it is that another club will beat us to the punch.

Everyone is a tad gun-shy after what happened with Victor Munoz and Liverpool, but there may not be a need to panic with Manzambi.

Newcastle have been given encouragement on Manzambi

According to Craig Hope, writing for the Daily Mail, Newcastle have been given encouragement in the pursuit of Manzambi.

While Manchester United have the midfielder in their sights, Hope believes their priority is Bournemouth's Alex Scott, which should keep them occupied while Newcastle thrash out a deal for Manzambi.

Freiburg have assured Newcastle that they are at the front of the queue for the Swiss star, and it's believed that the finances involved in the deal will not be a problem.

Encouraging signs, but we're not out of the woods yet

It sounds then that it's all systems go, and Newcastle just need to get their bid in to Freiburg and get these wheels moving.

There's still a fear that other clubs could come out of the shadows and beat Newcastle to the punch, but hopefully things are getting to a point where that won't happen.

Having said that, we had the medical booked for Victor Munoz, so clearly timing isn't that important as long as that contract's dotted line remains blank.