A new striker could arrive at Newcastle United this summer after a dissapointing past season for Eddie Howe's frontmen.
Yoane Wissa particularly struggled to convince fans after joining the Magpies from Brentford in a £55million deal. The Congolese forward finished the campaign with just one goal in 19 Premier League games, and Howe might already have run out of patience.
The 29-year-old has put his Newcastle woes to one side and is enjoying a superb World Cup campaign with DR Congo. He has found the net three times in as many outings to help his nation reach the Round of 32.
That might not be enough to change the Tyneside outfit's minds about selling the player this summer. They appear to have found an ideal replacement who has unfinished business in the English top flight.
Newcastle Battle Aston Villa for Balogun
Folarin Balogun (USMNT)Kiyoshi Mio (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle have added AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun to their shortlist. The report claims that the club are 'working actively' to find a buyer for Wissa, who started last season on the sidelines.
Aston Villa are also keen on Balogun and are monitoring the 24-year-old's situation ahead of a return to the Champions League. That could be problematic for Howe, given that the Villans can offer European football.
Balogun, like Wissa, is flourishing at the World Cup with the USA and has fired Mauricio Pochettino's side to the Round of 32. He's managed two goals and one assist in two games for the co-hosts.
Monaco are thought to value the American at £50million, given he has two years left on his contract. He joined the French club from Arsenal back in August 2023 in a £35million deal and has since become their undisputed number nine.
Balogun is the goalscorer Howe needs
Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie (USMNT)Matthew Childs via Reuters
Balogun, whom Pochettino hailed as 'amazing', ticks plenty of boxes for Newcastle, given his age and profile. His time in Ligue 1 has allowed him to develop, and he is reaping the rewards of taking a risk and leaving Arsenal to gain more first-team opportunities.
Howe needs a goalscorer and someone who can try to replace Alexander Isak following the Swede's departure to Liverpool last summer. Nick Woltemade is still adjusting to life in the Premier League and Wissa is already being talked up for a quick St James' Park exit.
A £50million fee is reasonable for a player who is reaching his peak years and has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in France over the years. He finished last season with a tally of 19 goals and five assists in 43 games across competitions.
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