Newcastle United are struggling to score goals.
Indeed, it seems strange that a team who plundered 85 Premier League goals last season would struggle to find the back of the net but that’s the reality Newcastle are operating in right now.
Eddie Howe’s side have hardly convinced up front all season. In fact, only three teams have scored fewer times in the League (13).
Alexander Isak’s form deserted himself somewhat during Monday’s 2-0 loss to West Ham, while Callum Wilson is literally only just back from injury.
Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, has only scored twice and the same can be said of Joelinton. Harvey Barnes has double that but cannot seem to force his way into the starting lineup, while Fabian Schar is the only other Newcastle player to have scored a League goal.
With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising to have read reports suggesting the club would look to sign a new forward of some description – albeit money is reportedly likely to be tight in January.
Still, it seems Newcastle do have at least one target in mind.
Newcastle tracking forward compared to Viktor Gyokeres
According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle have been keeping tabs on Coventry forward Norman Bassette.
The 20-year-old has reportedly been labelled “the next Viktor Gyokeres”, with the Swedish star having left the Sky Blues before hitting stardom with Sporting Lisbon.
Norman Bassette of Coventry City during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur at The Coventry Building Soc...
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
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Bassette – recently capped by Belgium at senior level – has scored one goal in eight appearances for the Championship club since joining from French side Caen and has been tipped for a big future.
“He’s already a good player but he’s going to be a really good player,” said Coventry interim boss Rhys Carr to BBCWR.
“Norman’s enthusiasm is infectious and his willingness to work for the team is brilliant – you’d rather have a player you have to reign in than trying to get more out of them.”
Newcastle could strike gold with more Championship signings
The EFL is not a market Newcastle have looked to very recently. Tino Livramento was technically a Championship player when he signed for the club but boasted Premier League experience during his time with Southampton.
With money said to be tight, perhaps looking to the lower leagues makes sense. The likes of Aston Villa have enjoyed huge success with it in the signing of Morgan Rogers, who now looks a bargain.
Clearly, that doesn’t necessarily mean Bassette will be too but it is worth considering.