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Slot has already made Minteh prediction as Liverpool ‘interested’ in $51m ace
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot could secure a reunion with Yankuba Minteh with the Reds reportedly keen on the Newcastle youngster. Minteh only joined Newcastle a year ago before being immediately loaned out to Feyenoord.
He impressed under Slot, scoring 10 times, and was expected to fight for a place in the Magpies first-team next season. But The Telegraph reports that Minteh could be sold this summer amid pressure to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Liverpool has reportedly registered its interest in signing the Gambian, who Newcastle values at $51m (£40m/€47m), with clubs in Germany and Italy also monitoring the situation.
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Slot has always placed huge importance on his wide players and was eager to strengthen with Minteh last summer. He had caught the eye with Danish side Odense before his switch to St James’ Park.
He hit the ground running and scored three times in his first seven Eredivisie matches. His impressive display in a 4-0 rout over Ajax received rave reviews from the new Liverpool head coach.
Slot said: “He certainly doesn’t lack self-confidence. His willingness to give everything is enormous. When we see his statistics, it is really impressive. Minteh ran more sprint meters against Ajax in an hour than many players in the two games. He is incredibly fast.”
Feyenoord had reportedly been open to a second loan deal for the 19-year-old before Slot was linked to the Liverpool job. But he conceded the winger would likely be playing at a higher level next season.
He told Rondo in March: “If you are that fast, it is a huge weapon. One action and he is gone, then you will not catch up with him again.
“I think that his choices are already improving in the final phase. The bad thing for us is that if his choices become really good, he will probably no longer play for us.”
Minteh revealed to Voetbal International that he was unsure what the future would hold at Newcastle, with a career in the Premier League remaining his dream. He could well get his wish this summer should Slot decide to pursue a reunion.
Liverpool.com says: It is no surprise to see Liverpool linked with a wide attacker and it is probably one area that needs to be strengthened this summer. Minteh is relatively raw but he does possess great pace and would be a real asset. Newcastle may have little choice but to cash in on him already but it would still be a considerable fee for a 19-year-old.