Newcastle 'ready to pounce' and agree Yasin Ayari deal for 'cut-price fee'

Brighton are weighing up whether to hand Yasin Ayari a new contract or allow him to leave amid growing interest from Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old has just one year remaining on his current deal at the Amex and

However, this summer may be the Seagulls' last chance to cash in on the Sweden international if he does not sign a new deal, with a cut-price fee potentially on the cards.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Brighton have a decision to make over Ayari's future thanks to the interest from Newcastle.

The Magpies have identified Ayari as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali, and the possibility of a move will force Brighton into a final decision.

The midfielder's performances at the World Cup with Sweden have also heightened interest in his situation after he scored twice in their 5-1 win against Tunisia last week.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last summer that Brighton had set a £20m price tag on Ayari amid interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.

While there is uncertainty about whether that price tag will remain the same given his contract situation and World Cup displays, a base has been set by the Seagulls.

The European giants remain interested in a move, while Premier League sides have also now joined the race, and Brighton will be bracing for interest.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's an interesting one, this for Brighton, because Ayari is going into the final year of his contract at the Amex.

"Brighton have got a decision to make about whether they try and tie him down to a new contract, or whether they're ready to let him move on this summer.

"If nothing can be agreed this is probably their last chance to cash in on him and Newcastle will be hoping that might allow them to land the Sweden International maybe for a cut-price fee.

"So, Brighton have got a decision to make, and I'm sure Newcastle are monitoring this contract situations right now, ready to pounce if he does become available."

As previously mentioned, Newcastle have been keeping a close eye on Ayari and his contract situation at Brighton amid ongoing doubts over his future at the club.

Eddie Howe is aiming to sign players with Premier League experience this summer, while also recruiting young talents, and the Brighton star would tick both boxes.

As a result, Football Insider revealed on 20 June that Newcastle are interested in signing Ayari and scouts have been tracking his performances in recent weeks.

He has become an important player under Fabian Hurzeler and made 29 Premier League appearances last season, catching the eye of watching scouts.

Meanwhile, the threat of losing Tonali and lingering interest in Bruno Guimaraes could force Newcastle into the market as they aim to strengthen in midfield.