Newcastle United are making early moves ahead of the transfer window opening in a bid to get their business done ASAP to allow new arrivals more time to integrate.
It's a far cry from the pedestrian approach to shopping in recent years, where deals have seemed to take an age to get done. Although just because we're being proactive doesn't necessarily mean things will move any quicker.
Among the several top priority positions Newcastle will be recruiting this summer, a striker is definitely on that list.
Callum Wilson's age and injury problems make him a prime candidate to be moved on his the summer when his contract expires, but even if he is to stay, the Magpies need stronger competition for Alexander Isak.
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Victor Boniface
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Newcastle could scoop up Victor Boniface for £42m
Newcastle are still keen on Victor Boniface
Several names have been mentioned over the past few months, but it seems, according to Sport BILD in Germany (via Sport Witness) at least, that progress is being made on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface.
Boniface has been pushing to leave Leverkusen since January, and Newcastle were mentioned in connection with the 24-year-old back then.
Now it's believed that the Magpies have made contact over a move, although they haven't yet made a 'formal' approach, however, a fee of €50 million (£42 million) has been discussed.
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Victor Boniface's season hasn't been as great as the last one
The Nigerian has 10 goal contributions in 19 outings in the Bundesliga this season, which is a bit of a drop off from his 23 goal contributions in 23 Bundesliga games last term.
However, Newcastle have been keen on Boniface for a while, and if they can pick him up for just £42 million, a move could be a real possibility.
Sport Witness says they don't see why Newcastle would spend £40 million on a striker when they have Alexander Isak ... what if he gets injured/suspended/needs a break? It's a move that would make sense to us without dipping our toes into the "Alexander Isak is leaving" conspiracy well.