Johan Manzambi transfer news: Aston Villa looking to complete deal for Switzerland midfielder

This is a painful case of deja vu Newcastle.

It was only a few weeks ago that the club lost another top target, Victor Munoz, who opted to join Liverpool.

Identifying talent is clearly not the problem.

Newcastle Manzambi, Munoz, Hugo Ektic, Joao Pedro, Benjamin Cesko and James Trafford have all been targeted in the last 12 months.

But lost Aston Villa Another real push in the transfer market for a top target Newcastle.

if Newcastle Missing out, the big question is can the club prudently pivot to another promising target, as they did with Bazumana Toure after Munoz moved on?

On the one hand, there is plenty of time left in the window to do just that and strengthen other areas on the side.

On the other hand, there is a lot of work to be done and little margin for further knockback.

It was a timely reminder to see players not involved in the World Cup returning to pre-season training on Monday.