Newcastle United 'desperate to beat Manchester United to Amadou Haidara'

Newcastle United are reportedly hopeful of beating Manchester United to the signature of RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.

The 23-year-old has again been a key player for his Bundesliga club during the 2021-22 campaign, making 18 appearances in all competitions, contributing three goals in the process.

Man United have been strongly linked with the midfielder amid suggestions that the club's interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has identified him as a leading transfer target.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are desperate to win the race for the Mali international, who is currently in action for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The report claims that the Magpies are prepared to make him their highest earner with a wage packet of £160,000 a week, but a £33m release clause in the midfielder's contract allegedly does not become active until this summer, so any move this month would cost in excess of the reported buy-out fee.

Haidara has made 101 appearances for Leipzig since arriving from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2019, contributing 10 goals and six assists in the process.