Newcastle United have been handed a £20million price tag if they want to sign Bournemouth striker Joshua King this summer while there could be a swap deal on the cards, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The reporter, who writes for the Sun, claims via his personal Twitter account that the Magpies are targeting the 26-year-old Norwegian international to help bolster their front line next season but the big money price tag would be a record fee at St James’ Park.
Nixon also hints that the Cherries would be open to a cash-plus-player swap deal involving their former winger Matt Ritchie, who left the south coast for the north east back in 2016.
Good move for Newcastle?
Rafael Benitez will be desperate to get some proven Premier League talent at his disposal for the new season and King would definitely bring that – but does his form warrant his price tag?
Eight goals in top flight 33 appearances hardly screams out prolific hitman, but 30 in 100 looks a little bit better on paper.
Still, he does not seem to be the out-and-out centre forward that the Magpies need so much, and as such the asking price means this is not a worthwhile move.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
Again, it is that price tag which is causing a big issue.
Newcastle have not broken their transfer record since Michael Owen, and there would probably be a sense of disappointment if King was the man that took that honour.
Perhaps the swap deal is more up Newcastle’s street, but this appears to be a non-starter.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10