NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, clashes with Eddie Howe, manager of Newcastle United, during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on April 02, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Newcastle United is just not a club to be held for ransom.
Indeed, PIF has proven that during their opening 18 months or so, walking away from a deal for Jesse Lingard when the price was driven too high.
Rather than splash the cash haphazardly, they have tended to focus on trying to get value for money at every possible turn.
Clearly, that’s easier said than done and perhaps makes getting deals over the line a little slow.
Still, such has been the success of Newcastle’s recruitment, they have certainly earned the trust of the fans.
Newcastle have a cap on what they’d pay for Scott McTominay
Which is why reports from the Daily Mail are so interesting.
They claim the club has a certain valuation in mind when it comes to Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
Eddie Howe is believed to be a big fan of the Scotland star, who has previously been reported to have a price tag of around £50m.
Newcastle, however, is reportedly not prepared to enter any kind of bidding war for the 26-year-old.
Doing a deal with Manchester United will be difficult
If Newcastle isn’t going to pay a big fee for McTominay, it’s hard to imagine those at Old Trafford willingly selling the player.
The two clubs have already contested a domestic cup final this season and remain locked in a battle for the Champions League as it is.
Unless Man United desperately needs to raise funds, it would seem foolish to willingly strengthen a rival with a player Howe seems so keen on a signing.
While that is frustrating from a Newcastle perspective, it is something they must get used to. Indeed, selling clubs know they have the money to spend big, while the fact they’ve become a force has the established elite worried.
It’s not going to be easy this summer…
