Flashscore sources: Newcastle to fast-track search for midfielder after key deal hijacked

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-premier-league-flashscore-sources-newcastle-balancing-guimaraes-uncertainty-and-manzambi-chase/zR6OB7jS/"]As we reported on [i]Flashscore[/i] at the end of last week[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/newcastle-utd/p6ahwuwJ/"]Newcastle[/a] had growing concerns that their pursuit of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/manzambi-johan/pIqmcnKc/"]Manzambi[/a] could be scuppered by another club. [/p][p]Those fears were realised over the weekend, with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/aston-villa/W00wmLO0/"]Aston Villa[/a] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-premier-league-aston-villa-reportedly-hijack-newcastle-move-for-swiss-sensation-johan-manzambi/n39mp0i2/"]agreeing a deal for the highly-rated midfielder[/a].[/p][p][b]While the outcome is a disappointment for Newcastle, it is understood the club had anticipated the possibility. [/b][/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/freiburg/fiEQZ7C7/"]Freiburg[/a] remained open to offers from multiple clubs throughout negotiations, and Newcastle believed another Premier League side had entered the race in recent days.[/p][embed guid="cda019e5-d8a4-489c-ac45-972ab3c3f581" url="https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/2076380621492932886" social-type="twitter" /][p]The club are now expected to respond quickly.[/p][p][b]Sources say Newcastle have already identified several backup options and will intensify work on those deals this week, with the aim of strengthening [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/howe-eddie/hbOpz9hE/"]Eddie Howe[/a]'s squad before pre-season preparations gather pace.[/b][/p][p]Away from incomings, uncertainty also remains over the future of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/bruno-guimaraes/xtyKanzU/"]Bruno Guimaraes[/a]. The Brazilian midfielder is understood to be waiting for Newcastle to grant [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/arsenal/hA1Zm19f/"]Arsenal[/a] permission to open formal negotiations after expressing a desire to leave St James' Park.[/p][p]Arsenal have continued internal discussions over a potential move after an initial approach was rebuffed, but the situation could develop if Newcastle soften their stance in the coming weeks.[/p][p]The setback over Manzambi continues a frustrating transfer window for Newcastle, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/liverpool-confirm-signing-of-victor-munoz-from-osasuna-after-hijacking-newcastle-deal/2Pp3UyYF/"]who also lost out on Spanish winger[/a] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/munoz-victor/EBMXXrd3/"]Victor Munoz[/a] earlier this summer, after [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/liverpool/lId4TMwf/"]Liverpool[/a] stepped in to secure the player's signature.[/p][infobox id="f961102e-920a-4281-b5f2-f996852544cf" /]