Newcastle United are set to make a bid "imminently" for one of their top striker targets, as they look to reinforce the front line before the end of the transfer window next Monday.
Howe: Newcastle "running out of attacking options"
Newcastle's meeting with Liverpool was always expected to be full of drama, but not a single onwatching fan could have predicted the spectacle that took place at St James' Park. The Magpies, down to 10 men and 2-0 down, valiantly fought back to level at 2-2 courtesy of William Osula from the bench. The young striker, who is full of potential, sent a timely reminder of his quality.
Ultimately, however, it was a night that saw another young player shine as Rio Ngumoha emerged from the bench to become Liverpool's youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer in the 99th minute. He was left in dreamland. St James' Park was left in silence.
Eddie Howe couldn't hide his disappointment in the result either. Barring the end of the first-half and the start of the second, the Magpies were the side on top. Just like against Aston Villa, however, they lacked a clinical goalscorer to take advantage and Howe admitted that his side are "running out of attacking options".
“I’ve very mixed feelings tonight. It was a great performance from us. I’m gutted for the players. Everyone had told me Anthony’s card was a clear red but I think he was slightly unlucky.
"There was no intent to damage [Virgil] van Dijk but he’s probably gone in too quickly. Will Osula came on, scored a goal and did well, but we are running out of attacking options.”
Newcastle now have less than a week to solve that attacking problem in a summer that has already seen several targets come and go. That said, one reporter does now expect those at St James' Park to finally welcome one of their top targets before the deadline.
Newcastle set to make "imminent" new bid for Strand Larsen
Despite reports that their first offer worth £50m was turned down, Jan Åage Fjørtoft now expects Newcastle to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen this week with another bid "imminent", which "should be enough" to complete a deal.
At this stage of the transfer window, Newcastle have very little time to negotiate small details and simply must go all out to finally welcome a striker.
Strand Larsen's far from a bad choice, either. Whilst Yoane Wissa has been the name mentioned for most of the summer, the fact that he's back in Brentford training is not an encouraging sign for Newcastle, who look to be turning to a younger forward with more potential.
Strand Larsen (2)
Described as "fantastic" by Wolves boss Vitor Pereira last season, Strand Larsen ended the campaign with 14 Premier League goals and could now be on his way to Tyneside as a result.