After Wolverhampton Wanderers rejected their opening bid to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen, Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign a different Scandinavian star.
Newcastle's striker search rumbles on as Larsen move stalls
From the very start of the transfer window, Newcastle have been on the hunt for a striker. It's a search that started with Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo, who both chose Chelsea and Manchester United instead. The Magpies then turned to Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sekso, who rejected them in favour of Liverpool and Old Trafford once again.
Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa is now back in training with Brentford in another blow for the Magpies. The 29-year-old has done everything to force a move out of the West London club, but has not seen an offer arrive that matches his valuation in return. Now, it looks as though those at St James' Park are turning their focus towards an alternative in Strand Larsen.
On that front, however, it's so far been a familiar story for Newcastle amid reports that Wolves have rejected their opening offer worth £50m. And whilst they're expected to submit an improved offer, there's no denying that time is running out to satisfy Wolves' demands.
As an alternative to Wissa, Strand Larsen would certainly make sense. The powerful striker enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League last time out - scoring 14 goals - and is still a player full of potential.
Once again, however, there remain question marks over Newcastle's willingness to match the price tag that has been set and there are still other options that they could turn to this week.
Newcastle offered chance to sign Harder
According to The Boot Room's Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Conrad Harder from Sporting CP this month.
The forward has been the subject of interest from AC Milan, who are reportedly working on a deal to secure his signature following the collapse of Victor Boniface's move. But the door is still seemingly ajar for Newcastle to swoop in after receiving contact from intermediaries about a potential deal.
conrad-harder-sporting
Conrad Harder for Sporting Club.
Bailey told TBR: “Intermediaries have made contact with Newcastle to inform them of the availability of Harder. We understand that Harder is a player that Newcastle have previously scouted. Newcastle are in the market for two new strikers before the window closes.”
League stats 24/25 Harder Strand Larsen
Minutes 1,368 2,587
Goals 7 14
Assists 8 4
Expected Goals 10.3 3
Dubbed a "complete" forward by scout Jacek Kulig, Harder is full of potential at just 20 years old and coming off the back of a promising season at Sporting. With a deal seemingly there to be done for around £20m and not his £69m release clause too, Newcastle could land an absolute bargain.