Yankuba Minteh was about to be unveiled as Newcastle United's first summer signing after posing for photographs in the club's new home shirt as loan manager Shola Ameobi watched on. However, the new arrival was a long way from Tyneside - the photoshoot took place at Feyenoord's training ground.
It is all part of Newcastle's plan for the 18-year-old, who has joined the Dutch champions on a temporary basis, as he looks to get the experience and GBE points he needs to one day fulfil his Premier League dream following his £5.8m move from Odense Boldklub (OB). ChronicleLive understands Minteh had interest from other clubs in Europe, who also made official bids for the highly-rated winger. However, according to Bakary Bojang, who is the Gambian's agent, it was Newcastle who presented the 'best package' after the black-and-whites did their homework.
"When Newcastle came, we were never in doubt that it was the place for him," Bojang told ChronicleLive. "The kind of work Newcastle put in to scout the player and to know Yankuba - he was not just a player. He was a player they really wanted.
