Jorge Mendes Contacts Newcastle United And 4 Other PL Clubs About Signing Ex-Arsenal Striker In January
Newcastle United have been made aware of Folarin Balogun’s availability by Jorge Mendes and his agents, according to reports.
The former Arsenal striker has fallen out of favour at Monaco after his Deadline Day move to Everton collapsed at the beginning of September.
Balogun has made only five appearances off the bench this season, with Paris Brunner now ahead of him in the pecking order.
TEAMtalk claim Mendes and his team are now actively looking for buyers ahead of the January transfer window.
5 Premier League clubs have been offered Balogun
It is believed that the Magpies are one of several top-flight teams who have been given a chance to recruit the American international.
Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Leeds are among those who have also been informed about Balogun’s situation, while Everton have been given an opportunity to revive their interest.
Currently, there is no firm favourite to win the race for the 25-year-old, but he is someone who looks likely to switch clubs early in the New Year.
Will Newcastle United be tempted to buy another striker?
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has yet to find the back of the net since his £51.4m switch from Lille in the summer, and combined with Yoane Wissa’s lack of output and Will Osula’s injury problems, head coach Matthias Jaissle is thought to be keen on further reinforcements up front.
Reports in Saudi Arabia claim that the German would like to be reunited with Ivan Toney, who he worked with closely at Al-Ahli, and the player is thought to be open to a Premier League return.
However, the costs – specifically Toney’s wages – could be prohibitive, so alternatives may need to be considered, and Balogun is available if they do choose to pursue him.