Newcastle United’s summer-long search for a new centre forward could be set to take yet another turn with a week to go until the start of the Premier League season.
The latest striker link credits the Magpies with interest in Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, as Eddie Howe desperately attempts to bolster his attacking options.
As the summer has unfolded, the future of Alexander Isak has dominated the headlines. This, coupled with Callum Wilson’s departure, leaves Newcastle facing a race against time to have a squad capable of competing on the domestic and Champions League fronts.
Newcastle Continue Hunt for Next Striker
After one of the greatest seasons in Newcastle United’s club history last term, excitement for the future was building on Tyneside.
But that expectation has quickly been extinguished and replaced with an utmost sense of frustration felt by the majority of the Geordie faithful.
They have been beaten to the signing of Hugo Ekitike by Liverpool, who have since lodged an unsuccessful bid for want-away goal machine Alexander Isak.
Since then, they have seen Benjamin Sesko prefer a move to Manchester United, all after they saw two other targets in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap head to Chelsea.
According to David Ornstein, Spanish international Samu Aghehowa is admired by club officials at St James’ Park.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an excellent season in Portugal last season, scoring 19 goals in 30 appearances in the Primeira Liga.
Yoane Wissa Remains on Newcastle Radar
A story that refuses to go away fully is the potential next destination of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international has made it clear he wants to leave the GTEC Community Stadium in this window. So far, the Bees have stood firm in their reluctance to allow Wissa to leave.
With Newcastle’s only other senior striker besides Isak being William Osula, the 19 Premier League goals scored last season by Wissa could be the answer to Eddie Howe’s prayers.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Wissa could depend on whether or not Keith Andrew’s side is able to find a replacement. They are reportedly keen on Dango Outtara of Bournemouth, who is said to favour a Premier League move.
After a mass exodus at Brentford during this preseason, it’s understandable that Brentford has chosen to draw the line. Wissa wants to stay in England, and the 28-year-old and Newcastle could be a match made in heaven.
Having already seen big-money bids unsuccessfully made for the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike in this window, funds seem to be readily available to Newcastle.
Newcastle’s Stalling Summer Needs a Jump Start
When Anthony Elanga completed a move to Tyneside back in July, things were beginning to look up. Apart from the arrival of the Swede, the Geordies have since been restricted only to academy signings and the loan arrival of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Despite a seemingly endless succession of knock-backs, they remain firmly active in the market.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains an option, and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope also reported interest in Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.
St James’ Park hosts the Sela Cup this weekend, with the passionate home crowd craving an upturn in fortunes off the field.
As Eddie Howe prepares to face Espanyol and Atletico Madrid in their final friendly matches, he will be hoping it’s just the start of a mood-changing week on Tyneside.
