Southampton new-boy Adam Armstrong would have jumped at the opportunity to return to Newcastle United if the Magpies had entered the race for his signature, according to Steve Howey.
Armstrong joined Saints from Championship side Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £15million last week.
The switch came after the frontman scored 64 goals in 160 appearances for Rovers.
Should Newcastle have moved for Armstrong?
Yes
No
He made a phenomenal start to his time at Southampton as he put Everton to the sword by scoring on his debut.
But former Newcastle defender Howey believes Armstrong would have preferred a transfer to St James’ Park.
Armstrong came through the ranks with the Magpies but failed to find the back of the net in 21 appearances.
The 24-year-old exited Newcastle in favour of a switch to Blackburn in 2018 and, earlier this year, admitted leaving St James’ Park was the best decision he has made.
However, Howey maintains Armstrong would have opted for a switch to Newcastle instead of Southampton if the opportunity arose.
He exclusively told TIF: “I think he would’ve jumped at the chance. He didn’t get the opportunity when he was at Newcastle last time.
“Football is so fickle at times because a manager, for whatever reason, just doesn’t fancy a player and you don’t get an opportunity. You get frustrated and want to play, so you go and end up coming back for another Premier League team.”