Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has claimed that Newcastle United could make a move for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo.
The Dutchman has been in electric form with 13 goals and 17 assists this season and also impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
The 23-year-old, who supposedly has a price tag of €60m (£52m), has been linked with Manchester United, but Whelan believes that Newcastle could throw their hat in the ring.
Eddie Howe’s side currently sit third in the Premier League with just one loss from their opening 15 games and are on track to qualify for Europe for the first time in 10 years.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan stated that Newcastle is now an attractive destination for top players, and they can now afford to pay high wages for big-name stars.
“I think anyone could be tempted to join this Newcastle side,” he claimed.
“That’s the strength and the financial clout they’ve got now – they’re going places.
“They’ve had this fantastic start to the season under a good manager, the fanbase is rocking, they’ve already got quality international players – it’s all going for them.
“It will be an appealing option for Gakpo. We know Man United are looking at him and they’re a massive club, but Newcastle could probably offer more in terms of that financial package.”
TIF thoughts on Newcastle and Gakpo…
Whilst Newcastle can offer a high wage to Gakpo, Man United could also offer very high wages in line with their top earners such as David De Gea and Jadon Sancho, whereas Newcastle would have to break their structure to offer him a huge package.
However, Newcastle could be a more attractive option, where he could gain regular game time, at a club which is currently thriving, and if he helps them qualify for Europe he would become an instant hero.
Howe has signed some top-quality stars including Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, and landing Gakpo would be a coup, having been one of the stars of the World Cup.
If they secure his signature, they could have the depth to challenge for a top-four spot, in an unprecedented season of success for the side who were 19th in the league when Howe joined a year ago.