Football
Exclusive: Newcastle United Threaten to Hijack Fulham’s Bid for Man City Starlet Oscar Bobb
Manchester City's Oscar Bobb is in the midst of a £30m transfer battle, with Newcastle United trying to hijack Fulham's plans for the young Norwegian star. City are open to a permanent deal before the transfer window closes, attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur as well. Blessed with talent and versatility, Bobb has already made an impact in the Premier League and for Norway, making him a highly sought-after prospect.
Brentford v Manchester City - Premier League by Ryan Pierse | Getty Images
Manchester City youngster Oscar Bobb is at the centre of a full-blown January transfer scramble with Newcastle United muscling in to wreck Fulham’s plans for the Norwegian starlet, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Bobb, 22, had been lined up for a loan move away from the Etihad to gain regular first-team football, but the situation has exploded into something far bigger.
Our sources have learnt a permanent deal now looks far more likely, with City open to cashing in before the window slams shut on 2nd February.
Fulham have been leading the chase and were confident of landing Bobb, but Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are now ready to gazump them, seeing the winger as a perfect fit for their high-energy, attacking style.
Tottenham Hotspur are also circling, keeping a close eye as the price, believed to be north of £30 million, begins to climb.
Bobb has long been tipped as one of City’s brightest academy products. Since joining from Norwegian side Vålerenga in 2019, he has worked his way into Pep Guardiola’s senior squad, making over 25 Premier League appearances.
It’s also been revealed this week that City are eyeing West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes as a potential cut-price option.
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While opportunities have been limited in a star-studded City side, Bobb has still chipped in with goals and assists, as well as having delivered one unforgettable moment for the Citizens.
His last-gasp winner against Newcastle, ironically, last season, blasted in from a tight angle, sent the Etihad wild and underlined his big-game mentality.
He has also impressed on the international stage, earning more than a dozen caps for Norway, often operating alongside compatriot Erling Haaland.
Blessed with quick feet, close control and fearless dribbling, Bobb can play off either wing or through the middle, exactly the kind of versatile attacker Premier League clubs crave.
Injuries have slowed his momentum at times, but scouts believe regular football could unlock his full potential.
City had hoped a loan would do the trick. Instead, the race is now on and Newcastle’s late charge could blow the whole deal wide open.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.