Fabrizio Romano has been speaking on the Wondergoal podcast about what he expects to see from Newcastle United this transfer window.
The Magpies appear to have hit a brick wall in their pursuit of an attacking signing – something which is certainly needed after last season’s relative shortcomings and having failed to find the net in their latest pre-season friendly.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has highlighted several factors as to why Newcastle are struggling to land some of their top transfer targets this summer, including Financial Fair Play regulations and the lack of movement on a big sponsorship.
Despite these hurdles, Romano believes that Newcastle will still look to bring in a new striker this summer.
He said: “I think yes, they will go on some striker, so I expect Newcastle to move on a striker. They were exploring a move for a winger like Moussa Diaby. He’s a player that they really appreciate, but it’s about the price.
Will Newcastle sign a new striker?
Yes!
No!
“It’s not easy to afford the price because Bayer Leverkusen have no intention to sell him this summer, so it has to be a very good bid and this is why at the moment the situation is quiet between Newcastle and Moussa Diaby, but yes, I see Newcastle moving on the market for a striker.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s search for a striker…
It has been a struggle for PIF and Newcastle to make a mark in the transfer window when it comes to improving their attacking options, having reportedly held an interest in the likes of Alexander Isak, Moussa Diaby and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but all appear unattainable at the moment given their hefty price tags.
However, after a disappointing defeat in their latest pre-season friendly to Mainz, Newcastle and Eddie Howe may feel as though paying slightly over the odds for someone who would improve the squad may be better than going for an option much lower down their list.