Newcastle United continue to be linked with a move for Johan Bakayoko but some critics over in the Netherlands have taken aim at the winger as his PSV future hangs in the balance.

Speculation has been growing, both here and abroad, over the Magpies' interest in the 21-year-old forward, with Eddie Howe having to shut down talk of a deal already being agreed following positive talks. "It does (surprise me). Because that is not the reality we are not close to any transfer or signing any player," the Newcastle boss said this month.

Meanwhile, in Eindhoven, Bakayoko has been caught in the firing line after a slight drop in form so far this season. With six goals and three assists to his name for PSV this term, some are accusing the wide man of struggling.

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The ever-critical and outspoken Dutch pundit, Rafael van der Vaart this week told Studio Voetbal: "He is very disappointing. It seems as if the speed has gone a bit.

"He can't get past his man anymore. The freshness has been gone for a while now."

Bakayoko has missed just three Eredivisie matches, through injury, this term and remains a key part of Peter Bosz's title-chasing side. However, after a 2023/24 campaign that brought 14 goals and 14 goals in all competitions, it is easy to see why accusations of a performance dip are being thrown at the Newcastle target.

Bakayoko's name has been making headlines in both the Netherlands and his native Belgian, with Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad this week insisting it would take an offer 'well over market value' to make PSV part ways in January. This, despite the player being out of contract in 18 months.

That demand may well put Newcastle off as they penny pinch in what will be a testing January trading period. Howe's side are keen to strengthen on the right of their attack and Bakayoko is the right profile for the Premier League side - but only for a fair price.

Bakayoko has previously been close to ditching PSV for a move to England, with the Eredivisie side accepting a bid of £20m from Brentford. However, just last summer the club's CEO admitted a deal of €35m (£30m) would no longer be enough to secure his signature.

“It depends on whether he is going to make a step (forwards). The question is also which club will come?,” Marcel Brands, PSV’s chief executive, told ESPN.

“We have just talked about very big clubs. If such a club comes, will you say no? We will no longer (sell Bakayoko) for 35 million euros.”