Newcastle will have to be patient in their pursuit of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham after the player admitted he will be putting transfer talks on the back-burner until after international duty.
The 19-year-old forward is set to lead the line for England at the upcoming U21 European Championships, after impressing during a loan spell at Newcastle’s fellow Championship side Bristol City.
The pacy forward hit 26 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions for the side which finished 17th in the second tier last season, leading the Magpies to make a loan move for the six-time-capped England U21 international.
The Times reported that Rafael Benitez’s side had managed to beat off competition from fellow promoted side Brighton in securing his signature, but it appears that the player is willing to bide his time over a move.
Speaking to the media ahead of Euro 2017, the Bristol Post quoted Abraham as saying: “I’m not too sure [about my future]. Hopefully it will be in the Premier League.
“I am focusing on this tournament so the discussions will happen after.”
Chelsea are only willing to let the striker depart Stamford Bridge on a temporary move, as they view him as a potential first-team star in the future.
Abraham would join Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy as Benitez’s recognised centre forwards in the Newcastle squad.
However, doubt hangs over the future of the Serbian and Republic of Ireland internationals, with both being linked to moves away from St James’ Park this summer.