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Eddie Howe didn’t rule out the possibility of Will Osula leaving Newcastle United on loan.
Osula joined from Sheffield United for £15million last summer and hadn’t made a Premier League start for Newcastle until the goalless draw at Leeds United on Saturday evening.
The Magpies were without an experienced striker with Alexander Isak on strike, emergency back-up Anthony Gordon suspended and Nick Woltemade ineligible after only hours earlier completing his £69m club-record move from Stuttgart.
The striker situation has meant Osula has begun the new campaign near the top of the pecking order but now looks set to fall back down it as United turn to the transfer market.
In addition to signing Woltemade, Newcastle are set to bring in Yoane Wissa from Brentford after agreeing a £55m deal. When at a full complement, Osula will be fourth choice behind the pair and Gordon.
Eddie Howe refuses to rule out Will Osula exit
Having just turned 22, Howe recognises that Osula needs regular game time to help continue his development.
“I think anything is possible for Will,” Howe said on Friday. “I wouldn't want to put any kind of restriction on how he's viewed. We will view him and judge him every day like we do.
“He's made great strides, I think, in a year. Sometimes you can forget when you're watching someone every day and you're so sort of ingrained in their development, you can forget to see the giant leap that he's made. So I think his game is in a much better place.
“I still think there's more growth to come naturally for someone so young, but he's got ability and he's got a talent and he does score goals.
“He scores goals regularly in training. He's quick and he's strong, so he's got all the attributes. There will be a time when he has to play regularly to go the next step and he's probably in that moment now.”
With the chances of playing regularly on Tyneside slim, Howe didn’t rule out a potential departure.
Asked if he would consider a loan for Osula should another striker like Wissa arrives, Howe said: “I think that's all for another day. Regular football will be something he needs for his own career at some stage. But whether that's now or in the future, who knows?”
Will Osula linked with Aston Villa and Bundesliga clubs
As recently as last week, Osula was attracting interest from Bundesliga clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, who Newcastle face in the Champions League in December. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been linked with a shock deadline day move by the Daily Mail.
Reporter Simon Jones wrote: “Aston Villa are among the clubs showing late interest in Newcastle striker William Osula.
“ The 22-year old has stepped into the first team fold of late but will be back on the periphery following the signing of Nick Woltemade while Yoane Wissa could yet arrive from Brentford.
“Villa are scouring the market for forward options but are restricted by PSR on what they can do.”