‘Given His Approval’ – Player Makes Feelings Clear As Newcastle United Face European Giants In Battle For His Signature

Newcastle United have entered a crucial stage of the summer transfer window as new head coach Matthias Jaissle continues to reshape his squad following a remarkable period of change at St James’ Park.

The Magpies have already sanctioned more than £240 million worth of player sales this summer, with the departures of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon leaving the club with significant gaps to fill.

Guimarães completed a £75 million move to Arsenal, while Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £100 million. Gordon also departed for Barcelona in a transfer worth £69.3 million, further increasing the pressure on Newcastle to reinvest heavily in the squad.

With Newcastle now preparing for the new season under Jaissle, midfield has become one of the club’s biggest priorities.

The German coach is understood to be looking for experience, leadership and physicality in the middle of the pitch, and one name that has emerged prominently on Newcastle’s radar is Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

The Denmark international has entered the final stages of his time at Marseille and is expected to leave the French club this summer, with Marseille also under pressure to raise funds through player sales.

Newcastle have shown a strong interest in the experienced midfielder, but they are facing serious competition for his signature.

AC Milan have emerged as the biggest threat to Newcastle’s hopes of signing Højbjerg, with the Italian giants also exploring a potential deal for the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

And while Newcastle are keen to bring him to the Premier League, reports from Italy have claimed that Højbjerg has already given his approval to a move to AC Milan.

The 31-year-old is reportedly attracted by the possibility of joining the Rossoneri and starting a new chapter in Serie A, having never previously played in Italy.

His preference for Milan could represent a major setback for Newcastle, particularly with the Magpies attempting to rebuild their midfield following the departures of Guimarães and Tonali.

Højbjerg’s situation has become even more intriguing after claims that the player has already informed Marseille of his desire to leave the club.

“I spoke with the manager. He showed me his project and I was pleased.”

That conversation could prove significant as Højbjerg weighs up the next step in his career. While Newcastle can offer him the opportunity to remain in the Premier League and become a key part of Jaissle’s new-look side, Milan can offer the attraction of Serie A and European football.

The midfielder is also understood to have made his position clear to Marseille regarding his future.

“I have already told the club that I am ready to leave.”

That decision means Marseille could now be prepared to negotiate his departure, leaving Newcastle and Milan to battle for the experienced midfielder.

Højbjerg joined Marseille from Tottenham Hotspur, initially on loan, in 2024 and quickly established himself as an important figure in the French side.

He helped Marseille finish second in Ligue 1 during his first season at the club, although they struggled to replicate that achievement last term, finishing fifth.

His experience across the Bundesliga, Premier League and Ligue 1 makes him an attractive option for clubs looking for an established midfielder.

For Newcastle, his Premier League experience would make him particularly appealing as Jaissle attempts to replace two hugely influential midfielders in Guimarães and Tonali.

However, AC Milan currently appear to have a significant advantage in the race for his signature.

Højbjerg is reportedly open to joining the Italian giants and has already given his approval to the proposed move. Newcastle therefore face a difficult task if they are to convince him that St James’ Park is the right destination.

The player himself is understood to be excited about the possibility of playing in front of a new group of supporters.

“I hope to play in front of the supporters.”

Whether those supporters will be at St James’ Park or the San Siro remains to be seen.

Newcastle’s interest is genuine, but with Højbjerg reportedly approving a move to AC Milan, the Magpies will need to act quickly if they want to prevent the experienced midfielder from choosing the Rossoneri.

For Jaissle, securing a player of Højbjerg’s experience could be an important step in rebuilding Newcastle’s midfield.

But with Milan now firmly in the race and the player reportedly favouring the Italian giants, Newcastle have a serious battle on their hands to turn their interest into a completed transfer.