Newcastle United are stepping up their bid to sign a striker this summer.
Liam Delap is a major target for Newcastle United, and the Magpies have held talks with the 22-year-old over a £30million move to Tyneside.
Away from Delap, Newcastle United are also interested in Joao Pedro. He will cost more money, but is more versatile and has more Premier League experience.
They are both appealing options that Toon officials are considering.
The Magpies will need to use a decent chunk of their transfer budget to bring either of them to St James’ Park. In contrast, Newcastle transfer target Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be available on a free.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed Newcastle United transfer audition
However, the Everton striker blew his big chance to earn a move to Newcastle United on Sunday.
He appeared off the bench during Everton’s 1-0 win over the Magpies, replacing Beto in the 88th minute.
Despite only making a short cameo off the bench, Calvert-Lewin did have a great opportunity to show Newcastle United exactly what he can offer.
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The 28-year-old was played in on goal by Dwight McNeil before beating Dan Burn to create space for himself. All he had to do was find a corner, yet Calvert-Lewin fired his effort straight at Nick Pope.
The forward then got another chance on the rebound, but cannoned his second shot over the bar and into the Gallowgate.
Calvert-Lewin failed to showcase his ruthless streak in front of goal, at a time when he could be a very cheap solution to the Magpies’ striker problem.
While Everton want to keep Calvert-Lewin, there is still a chance that he leaves the Toffees on a free transfer this summer.
Signing him for nothing would allow Newcastle to invest more elsewhere, but his double miss on Sunday may have Toon officials thinking twice about striking a deal.
Will Osula impressed for Newcastle United
While one striker struggled at St James’ Park on Sunday, another produced a very exciting cameo.
Will Osula was introduced in the 88th minute, with Eddie Howe deploying him on the right of attack as Newcastle went in search of an equaliser.
That goal did not come, but it was not for lack of trying.
Osula actually created Newcastle’s best chance late on, as he picked out Fabian Schar in the penalty area. However, the centre-back could only skew his effort over the crossbar.
But it was a promising performance from Osula, who highlighted how much he has improved during his first season at St James’ Park.
Howe has a big decision to make regarding the 21-year-old’s future. He could be loaned out to gain first-team experience, or Newcastle could keep Osula and give him more opportunities on Tyneside.