Newcastle United have less than a week to complete a deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen, as they scramble to sign a striker.
Irrespective of the Alexander Isak situation, it is vital that a forward arrives at St James’ Park before the summer transfer window closes. Callum Wilson is yet to be replaced, which is extremely worrying this late in the day.
The Magpies’ desperation has been compounded by Anthony Gordon’s red card against Liverpool. He will now miss the next three domestic games, having been Eddie Howe’s makeshift striker at the start of the season.
With the Yoane Wissa deal stalling, Newcastle have turned to Strand Larsen.
Newcastle offered £50million for Strand Larsen, but it was rejected by Wolves. Now an improved offer has been made, but it has also been turned down.
Jorgen Strand Larsen reacts during Wolves' Carabao Cup second round win over West Ham United.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Newcastle United ‘likely’ to make third Jorgen Strand Larsen bid
It was reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday night that Newcastle have seen a second bid for the 25-year-old turned down by Wolves. Their offer was increased to £55million, but the outcome was the same.
Newcastle are now plotting their next move, with a third approach on the horizon.
According to the Daily Mail, it is ‘likely’ that Newcastle will go back in for Strand Larsen, who has now become the club’s top target.
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It has been claimed that Strand Larsen is expected to join Newcastle, with the Norway international keen on a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s second bid came on the night that Strand Larsen opened his account for the season.
He came off the bench to score twice as Wolves came from behind to beat West Ham United in the Carabao Cup second round.
After the game, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira provided an update on Strand Larsen’s future at Molineux.
“If it’s my decision, of course [he stays],” he told BBC Sport.
“He is a very important player. He is a player with character. I imagine his mind at this moment, listening to a lot of things, reading.
“He goes to help the team and in the last minutes I asked him to go back and help as a centre-back. He is a team player. He is a top player.
“Until now, Jorgen is our player. He is a very important player for us and we will see what happens. Football is football and every player has a price, even Messi or Cristiano. I understand football but for me it’s very important for us. We will see what happens.”
Pereira has made it clear that he wants to keep Strand Larsen, but the door is very much open for Newcastle United to strike a deal. As Pereira says, ‘every player has a price’.