Gambiaj.com – (NEWCASTLE, United kingdom) – Newcastle United have issued a stark warning to Gambian international Yankuba Minteh, threatening to demote him to the youth team if he refuses a £40 million transfer to French club Lyon. The 19-year-old forward is keen on a move to a Premier League rival, with Everton showing interest, but the clubs have yet to agree on a fee.

The transfer row with Minteh has intensified after the teenager rejected a move to the French club despite Newcastle accepting their bid. Minteh’s desire to stay in the Premier League has led to a standoff, complicating Newcastle’s plans to avoid breaching Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). The club faces potential charges and a points deduction if they do not offload players by the upcoming accounting deadline.

Newcastle’s urgency to sell Minteh is driven by the failure of other player sales to materialize this month. The offer from Lyon, potentially reaching £40 million, would resolve their PSR concerns. However, Minteh remains resolute in his stance, despite being informed that he is not in Eddie Howe’s plans for the next season.

Currently visiting family in The Gambia, Minteh has no immediate plans to return to Europe, which could hinder the transfer process due to the need for a medical examination. This delay poses a significant challenge for Newcastle, who are under pressure to finalize the sale promptly.

Minteh has not yet played for Newcastle, having been loaned to Feyenoord immediately after his £6.5 million signing from Danish club Odense Boldklub last summer. During his loan spell, Minteh made 37 appearances, scored 11 goals, and provided six assists. He also earned his first international cap for The Gambia in September and has since made six appearances for the national team.

Newcastle sources indicate that although Minteh is not in Howe’s plans for the upcoming season, the manager might reconsider if Minteh remains with the club next month.