Agent Alexander Manyakov has told Sport.ru that Newcastle United – as well as Southampton – are interested in signing CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin.
Golovin, 21, has been on the books with CSKA since signing form Metallurg Novokuznetsk in 2012, and he has now made more than 100 appearances for the club.
The playmaker hit the headlines earlier this month with a stunning free kick goal against Arsenal, and whilst he has been touted for a move to the Gunners, other Premier League clubs appear to be keen.
Golovin's agent, Alexander Manyakov, has told Sport.ru that the talented playmaker 'needs to leave' this summer, and has interest from both Newcastle United and Southampton.
Manyakov claims that Golovin has an asking price of around €20million (£17.5million), but no team has offered that so far, as clubs seemingly consider bidding for him before he plays at the World Cup.
"Golovin needs to leave,” said Manyakov. “There are specific proposals from the clubs of the English Premier League, but not from the top teams. As far as I know, interest in the midfielder comes from Southampton and Newcastle . But not everything depends on Aleksandr. He has an active contract with CSKA, and while the required amount is about 20 million euros, no one has offered that,” he added.
Newcastle are surely in the market for another attacking midfielder this summer, and the technically gifted Golovin certainly fits the bill with his ability on the ball and from set pieces.
The talented youngster would break Newcastle's transfer record though, and manager Rafael Benitez may need clear backing from owner Mike Ashley before firming up his interest this summer.