Newcastle now seriously interested in “magnificent” £70m Premier League star
Newcastle United are now showing serious interest in signing a “magnificent” Premier League star, who scored two goals against Eddie Howe’s side earlier this season.
Newcastle keen to strengthen in attack
Following Alexander Isak’s departure, Newcastle strengthened their forward line considerably during the summer, signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, but they have had to do without the DR Congo international, who has only just recovered from a knee injury.
Woltemade, on the other hand, has made a promising start to life in the Premier League, despite the own-goa against Sunderland, chipping in with five goals and one assist, and Howe has praised the centre-forward for the way in which he’s been able to adapt to life in England, saying: “He has done brilliantly, just a great person, a good character,”
“It is difficult to come in and do what he has done. He has fitted the team ethos.”
“He has British humour, he came in with a really good way of approaching a transfer. He immediately came in, felt at home and made people laugh.”
However, with the January transfer window now just over two weeks away, the Magpies are looking to sign another striker, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they are seriously interested in signing Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are also very keen on the Brazilian, but a deal could be on the expensive side, with the Bees potentially set to hold out for as much as £70m, which makes a January move complicated.
A summer departure is the more likely scenario, as Brentford are in a strong negotiating position, given that Thiago is contracted until 2029, and ‘strong offers’ expected to arrive at the end of the season,
"Magnificent" Thiago could push for Woltemade's starting spot
Given that Howe most commonly implements a 4-3-3 system, the Newcastle manager may have a selection dilemma on his hands if he signs the Brentford star, and there are signs he could challenge for Woltemade’s starting spot.
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The 24-year-old has been prolific in the Premier League this season, having already scored 11 goals, and manager Keith Andrews is clearly happy with his performances, describing him as “magnificent.”
Two of those goals actually came against Howe’s side, with the Gama-born striker bagging a brace to lead Brentford to a 3-1 victory against the Magpies back in November.
With Woltemade making an impressive start to life at St. James’ Park, however, there are question marks over whether Newcastle need to bring in another striker, and £70m would be a record transfer fee for the Tyneside club.