Newcastle United have now turned their attentions to a new forward as they look to hand Eddie Howe reinforcements at the end of the season, with their scouts having already watched him on several occasions this season.
Newcastle transfer priorities clear
Heading into the summer transfer window, Newcastle’s transfer priorities are crystal clear, but they remain constrained by the Premier League’s financial fair play rules that have hampered their spending thus far since the PIF took charge on Tyneside.
The Magpies are desperate to add a new centre-back to their ranks, having seen several bids for Marc Guehi rejected in the summer before being outgunned by Manchester City in January in their chase of Abdukodir Khusanov, who eventually ended up at the Etihad rather than St James’ Park.
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There is now increased interest in Guehi with Tottenham among potential suitors, which could see Newcastle look at alternative options, but a defender is firmly on their wishlist.
Meanwhile, they continue to eye up a move for James Trafford as a long term replacement for Nick Pope, and the Magpies are also in need of a new forward following the departure of Miguel Almiron in January, with the Paraguayan winger completing a move to Atlanta United.
They have been linked with a move for Bryan Mbeumo in recent months, but the Brentford forward is set to cost a significant amount should he leave the Bees amid interest from across the Premier League.
Howe’s side also have a longstanding interest in Anthony Elanga and Noni Madueke, but both looked to be settled at their current clubs and again, would be costly to sign. Now though, they may have found a potential bargain alternative.
Newcastle target freescoring forward
That comes according to TEAMtalk, who report that Newcastle are now closely monitoring Celtic forward Nicolas Kuhn, who has enjoyed a phenomenal campaign under Brendan Rodgers.
The German winger has found the net 10 times in the Scottish Premiership, along with two strikes in the Champions League, and he has also created seven goals for teammates across those two competitions.
Scottish football pundit Marvin Bartley was full of praise for Kuhn earlier in the campaign, hailing his upturn in form.
“This season, he’s really taken a game by the scruff of the neck on so many occasions whether he starts or comes on as a sub. He’s been absolutely brilliant, breathtaking for them if I’m honest,” he explained.
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How Nicolas Kuhn compares to Anthony Gordon 24/25 (Domestic League) |
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|---|---|---|
|
Anthony Gordon |
Nicolas Kuhn |
|
|
Appearances |
24 |
21 |
|
Goals |
6 |
10 |
|
Assists |
5 |
6 |
|
Minutes per goal involvement |
176 |
78 |
Newcastle’s scouts have reportedly “been impressed by his superb displays” at Parkhead, while they add that “a move to England is of interest to Kuhn”, who was signed from Rapid Vienna for just £3m.
Now, he is worth much more, and it is claimed that he is valued by Rodgers and co. at around £26m, a fee that would see Celtic reluctantly cash in.
Due to their financial model, it is suggested that “if an offer comes in that matches their valuation they will not be able to turn it down”, while Kuhn’s wages are unlikely to be a stumbling block either, further helping the Magpies in their efforts to navigate financial fair play.
Still just 25-years-old, the German forward could prove to be a very affordable alternative to the established names already linked with St James’ Park, and could allow Howe’s side to strengthen further in other areas this summer as they eye a return to the Champions League.
