Hard to compete with Red Devils wage offer

NEWCASTLE United were prepared to negotiate a fee north of £50million for Bryan Mbeumo - but any prospect of a deal crumbled after the wages that Manchester United waved at the Cameroon international became apparent.

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The Magpies did their homework on the 25-year-old and, as reported in The Journal back in January, watched the star multiple times.

However, they were far from alone around he negotiations with a string of Champions League clubs and Saudi Pro League sides offering big bucks, understood to be north of £200,000 per week for the Brentford star.

Howe, asked if the club could make marquee signings this summer, had said after the final game of the season against Everton: "If he’s already established, I think the wages and the financial package becomes difficult for us, speaking honestly, so as much as we would want it.