Newcastle told to make last-minute transfer U-turn to leave MU plan in tatters

Manchester United have continued to pursue Bryan Mbeumo but Newcastle have been urged to divert their attention from Anthony Elanga and go after the Brentford star

Newcastle have been urged to back out of signing Anthony Elanga and instead pursue Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo - whom they've had several bids rejected for.

The Magpies look to be closing in on their first major signing of the summer after agreeing a £55million fee with Nottingham Forest for their winger. Elanga, formerly on the Red Devils books, was a standout at the City Ground as they booked a spot in Europe.

Eddie Howe is now looking to pounce and add more quality to his frontline with Newcastle preparing to return to the Champions League. However they've been urged to make a late change of direction and go for Mbeumo.

The Brentford forward has just produced his best season to date, which has seen interest in him mount, but so far the west Londoners have stood firm and knocked back several offers from the Manchester outfit.

Negotiations continue but Don Hutchinson, formerly of Liverpool and West Ham, has advised those at St James' Park to pursue Mbeumo, citing him as the "better signing".

He told BestBettingSites: "I mean as a Newcastle fan, I think Mbeumo would be a better signing than Elanga. Because he can play on the right side, but he can also play through the middle. He can step in if Alexander Isak gets injured.

"If I was Eddie Howe, Mbeumo would be one of the first I’d want through the door. By signing him, you’re harming Manchester United, you’re taking a brilliant player away from Brentford, and you make your squad better too. There’s three ways to win by signing him, even though I do think he’ll still go to Manchester United. He’ll be a brilliant signing."

It would be a huge blow for those at Old Trafford, after all their efforts, they missed out on Mbeumo. Currently the only player they've signed this summer is Matheus Cunha. Mbeumo and Brentford have become frustrated with the slow progress of a potential deal involving the Manchester outfit. The Bees are holding firm over their asking price and are open to other offers for Mbeumo as United weigh up a third bid.

Brentford are looking for a fee in excess of £63m and were encouraged by the figure associated with Elanga - believing their valuation is not only fair but perhaps even lower than market value.