OPINION
The situation surrounding Newcastle United’s approach for Amiens defender Emil Krafth looks set to drag on, with no apparent conclusion looking likely soon.
Steve Bruce appears desperate to add Krafth to his defensive ranks, in a potential signing that would surely see his backline solid and ready for their opening Premier League game against Arsenal.
Newcastle looked to have made a breakthrough on Sunday, with French outlet Courrier Picard reporting that the 25-year-old will sign for the club after missing Amiens friendly against Leganes on Saturday.
Those reports were rubbished later that day, with the Sun journalist Alan Nixon reporting on his personal Twitter account that Newcastle have made a bid but that Amiens are wanting more to sanction the potential move.
Newcastle. New adjusted bid for Krafth at Amiens. Amiens still want more.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) August 4, 2019
Amiens are clearly stubborn in their negotiations and could be set to hand Newcastle and Bruce one of their first transfer blow after weeks of tough talks.
Newcastle were reported by Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol to have offered £5.5million for the Swedish international, with that bid having been adjusted after Amiens demands.
With DeAndre Yedlin still not having returned to fitness after surgery at the end of last season, Jamie Sterry has stepped up in pre-season, with the academy starlet impressing with his ability both on and off the ball whilst playing at right wing-back.
Sterry is set to go back to the under-23’s should Krafth arrive at St James’ Park, with the Magpies looking adamant that the Swede is the one they have set their sights on.
Krafth was outperformed by Yedlin in most departments last season, but Bruce seems keen to add the Amiens man anyway. Yedlin averaged more tackles, interceptions, blocks, and clearances last season according to WhoScored, with a potential transfer blow surely not as bad as it could be.
Newcastle are set for a transfer blow with these negotiations, with Amiens appearing as a tough nut to crack, and one that doesn’t want to lose their main option out wide in defence.
