New manager could make Newcastle United forward his first signing this week as fresh footage emerges

De Zerbi has been appointed as Marseille manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign and was filmed arriving in France on Wednesday morning ahead of his official unveiling. Marseille finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season and missed out on European football altogether.

But Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh is reportedly keen on working with De Zerbi at Stade Vélodrome. The 19-year-old has also been in talks with Lyon over a proposed move.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Minteh has ‘made his choice’ and would prefer to join Marseille over Lyon. It could make him De Zerbi’s first official signing as Marseille boss.

Newcastle are reluctantly looking to sell the winger before the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules deadline on Sunday, June 30.

Minteh joined Newcastle from Odense for around £7million last summer before enjoying a successful spell on loan at Feyenoord which has seen his value soar. The Magpies have slapped a £40million asking price on the teenager but could consider a deal closer to £30million as the PSR deadline nears.

AS Roma, Borussia Dortmund and Everton have also been linked with a move for the Gambian international, who scored 14 goals for club and country during the 2023-24 campaign. Everton appeared closest to agreeing a deal but talks stalled after Newcastle walked away from negotiations with the club regarding striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Toffees are reportedly close to signing forward Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille as an alternative to Minteh, potentially freeing up a space for the youngster in De Zerbi’s squad.

As things stand, no official decision has been made regarding Minteh’s future as Newcastle look to get a deal concluded by the end of the week.