Newcastle United are plotting a bid to sign Spezia centre-forward David Okereke, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that Wolves are also “weighing up” a summer bid for the 21-year-old striker, who has scored 10 goals and supplied 12 assists in 30 Serie B appearances this season.
It is understood that scouts from across Europe have watched the Nigeria Under-23 international and Inter Milan want to offer him the chance to play in Serie A next season if Spezia fall short in the Serie B play-offs.
Good move for Newcastle?
Okereke seems like a decent young striker and one that Newcastle should definitely be keeping an eye on as they go into the summer transfer window.
He has been involved in 22 goals this season and seems to be highly-rated by those who have watched him play for Spezia with Inter Milan interested in signing him up.
However there have to be doubts about how a player can step up from Italy’s second-tier to England’s top-flight.
It is a massive change and if Okereke is signed them he should only really be used as a back-up option by the Magpies, who need to try and sign Salomon Rondon first.
This is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
Would Mike Ashley let Rafa Benitez, or whoever is in charge for next season, spend £8million on a second-tier striker from Italy? It seems unlikely.
However it would fit Ashley’s policy of signing players whose value could go up at St James’ Park.
Newcastle need to keep an eye on Wolves and Inter Milan though because they will no doubt be more willing to stump up the money for the Nigerian striker.
This is Futbol rating 3/10