Newcastle set to open talks over Johan Manzambi deal - David Ornstein

Newcastle United are kicking up their transfer activity this week with reports claiming that two midfielders may be heading to St James' Park.

News broke early on Tuesday that Newcastle were close to agreeing a deal for Ajax midfielder Sean Steur for £23 million.

The 18-year-old was set to sign a new deal at the Dutch giants, but Newcastle have swooped in and now look set to take the highly-rated youngster with a medical reportedly booked already.

Steur's likely arrival doesn't mean that Newcastle aren't still looking at Johan Manzambi, it seems, as David Ornstein has reported that the Magpies are hoping to open talks with Freiburg this week over a deal.

Newcastle to open talks for Johan Manzambi

According to The Athletic, Newcastle are ready to open talks with the Bundesliga side over a move after it was revealed by Sky Sports Germany that no concrete talks had yet taken place.

Tellingly, Ornstein claims that Manzambi is keen on the move to St James' Park. After being led to believe that Newcastle are at the 'front of the queue' for the Swiss star's signature, all signs are very encouraging so far.

After some scintillating displays at the World Cup, there's likely to be other clubs coming out of the shadows now that there's actual movement, but Newcastle must be feeling confident.

A new direction for Newcastle

With Johan Manzambi and Sean Steur potentially replacing Sandro Tonali, there's definitely a change in the air around Newcastle.

Two of the hottest young talents in Europe coming in to replace the Italian is certainly a bold move, but it has to be seen as a good one.

Our only concern is that Steur and Manzambi are maybe too young to have an immediate impact in the Premier League, but having said that, we still have Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey, and, of course, Lewis Miley, so we have the experience there if needed.

Things are certainly starting to heat up on Tyneside.