Newcastle United have edged back ahead of West Ham in the race to sign Leicester City striker Islam Slimani, according to a reliable journalist.
Sky Sports News correspondent Kaveh Solkehol reported on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday morning that a source close to the player told him the word ‘Newcastle’ when asked if the Hammers were closing in on the player.
Asked source close to Islam Slimani if West Ham were in for him. Response: NEWCASTLE
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 31, 2018
Solkehol’s update clearly suggests Newcastle are now in pole position to finalise a deadline day deal for Slimani, 29, who was signed by Leicester 18 months ago for a fee of £30million (source: Guardian).
Slimani has scored five goals in 17 matches this season but has made just two Premier League starts. In total for Leicester, the 55-times Algeria international has netted 13 goals in 46 matches.
It is not known if Newcastle are working on a loan or permanent deal for the striker.
Good move for Newcastle?
On loan, yes. A permanent deal at the sums Leicester want would be too much of a gamble. Slimani has failed to match his Sporting Lisbon scoring exploits – he scored 27 times in the Portugese league in 2015-16 – at Leicester but he has showed enough qualities to demonstrate he could be a fine signing for a Premier League club. At the King Power Stadium, Jamie Vardy remains the premier front man, with Shinji Okazaki as the preferred partner or back-up. Slimani and fellow big-money signing Kelechi Iheanacho have been unable to break the striker cartel in place. But the Algerian has pace, power and an eye for goal. He has the potential to dazzle in the England top flight and would certainly be a massive upgrade on Aleksander Mitrovic, who appears set for a deadline-day move to Anderlecht.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It is certainly possible, especially if Newcastle are willing to smash their transfer record to pay Leicester’s £20million asking price and sign Slimani on a permanent deal. It is certainly a boost that they are now considered to be the favourites ahead of West Ham. Indeed, Solkehol’s encouraging update will send many of the Magpies fans, desperate for their squad to be strengthened in the final hours of the window, into meltdown.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10