OPINION
Newcastle’s pursuit of Josh King from Bournemouth has been handed a potentially major bombshell as it was reported by the Birmingham Mail that the Cherries are no longer in the running to sign relegated West Brom’s James Rodriguez.
King, who has linked with a move to St James Park by the Chronicle, would likely have been surplus to requirements should the south coast club have landed Rodriguez, giving substance to the Bournemouth striker joining Newcastle.
However, now that Bournemouth are no longer looking at Rodriguez as a viable option, this transfer seems unlikely to happen, as the Cherries will not want to lose the services of King.
The 26-year-old, who has 33 caps for Norway, joined Bournemouth by means of a free transfer from Blackburn back in 2015, going on to score 32 goals over his 105 appearances for the club, and would have probably been available to Newcastle on a cheap deal.
Despite the increased difficulty Rafael Benitez might face in a proposed swoop, he must push on and still hunt the Scandinavian star’s capture, for he is exactly what the Magpies need up front next season.
Rodriguez, also said to be a target of Burnley, is thought to be available for around the £20million mark, which might just be out of the Cherries’ price range.
However, every dark cloud has a silver lining, as Newcastle may now be able to mount an attempt to prise the former England international away from the Baggies, as there is less competition for his signature.
Either way, a striker is needed, and Newcastle should be looking at their rivals for a summer deal.