Journalist Pete O’Rourke is convinced that Newcastle United will have been looking at Victor Osimhen this summer -although his asking price does create a problem.
Trouble with agency fees saw the Magpies hit a snag in their attempts to land Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and they eventually walked away from a transfer.
Now, despite claims from journalist Ross Gregory that the Toon are yet to fully close the door on a deal for Ekitike, Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Express) has reported that Newcastle are readying a ‘significant sum’ in order to lure Napoli frontman Osimhen to St James’ Park.
Back in March, The Telegraph published that despite their Saudi-backed takeover, Dan Ashworth and his recruitment team would only have a budget of under £90m, and with Calciomercato previously claiming that Napoli would only entertain offers in the region of €110m (£94m), it would put the Nigerian centre-forward out of their reach.
Nonetheless, despite being aware of the admiration for the 23-year-old on Tyneside, O’Rourke doesn’t feel that Eddie Howe and his side can bid anything close to the reported asking price.
Are you happy NUFC walked away from Ekitike?
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He told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure he’s been on their radar for most of the summer, it’s just the issue probably is the price tag that’s on his head from Napoli.
“Napoli are demanding big, big money for him, so even with Newcastle’s riches, I don’t think they could get near that transfer fee for him right now. It’s probably £80 million-plus for the Nigerian international.”
TIF Thoughts on Osimhen and Newcastle…
At this present time, it does feel as if the man dubbed a “superstar” by Italian football expert Conor Clancy is out of the north-east club’s firing line when it comes to new signings. O’Rourke also previously called the striker a ‘dream’ signing for Newcastle and that he would be a ‘real statement’ addition.
Co-owner Amanda Staveley has reinforced the idea that PIF won’t go gung-ho in the transfer market and will instead take a pragmatic approach, as displayed by the solid additions of Dan Burn, Nick Pope. Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett in defence.
Sven Botman has also arrived at the back this summer, but the club arguably still need to add a striker to their ranks, with January signing Chris Wood failing to impress with just two goals in 16 appearances and the constant worries surrounding Callum Wilson’s fitness.
Osimhen is going to be the best striking force that will change the bad eyes people have been looking at Newcastle united…. And I feel it strongly that the deal will go throw