Newcastle United face having to pay as much as £30million for Bristol City centre-back Adam Webster, according to the Bristol Post.
The 24-year-old from West Wittering had been linked with a move to St James’ Park earlier in the month, when it was claimed that Leicester City, Burnley, Southampton, Watford and we were chasing a deal for the former England youth international.
His services were only thought to have been priced as high as £12million, though, with the Robins open to his departure inside a year of his £3.5million arrival from Ipswich Town.
However, sources from within Ashton Gate have told the Bristol Post that the Robins are informing any side registering their interest in Webster that he will only be on offer for £30million, as they look to price out Championship opposition.
The Bristol Post also noted that no side had placed a bid for the 6 ft 2 centre-back, and expect his valuation to reduce the interest from the Premier League. Although, Aston Villa later saw a £12million offer knocked back by Lee Johnson’s side, according to Sky Sports (Transfer Centre, June 25, 15:43).
A move has not been ruled out entirely, though, as the Bristol-based newspaper feel a move could occur if a top-flight side lose one of their key figures this summer, noting Harry Maguire’s uncertain future at the King Power Stadium, James Tarkowski’s at Burnley and Jannik Vestergaard’s at Southampton.
Bristol City are also confident in their chances of retaining the Portsmouth product, but the promotion-chasing Championship outfit have a list of replacements in mind as they would consider any serious offer if the price in question made it impossible for them to turn the bid down.
Webster featured in 44 of Bristol City’s 46 Championship ties in the 2018/19 campaign, making 61 tackles, 91 interceptions and 187 clearances.