Newcastle United are eyeing a move to sign Levante star Etta Eyong this summer as they look to bolster their striker options, according to Fichajes.
The Magpies were embroiled in a tense transfer battle all summer last year as they eventually lost star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool in a British record transfer deal worth £125m, but they also splashed big money to bring in both Yoanne Wissa and Nick Woltemade as replacements.
However, neither striker has had a great campaign so far, and now Eddie Howe is looking for potential alternatives to ensure the team isn't left struggling for goals again next season.
Newcastle Eyeing Eyong
Etta Eyong
Eyong, who has been described as 'dangerous', has been one of the breakout stars in La Liga this season with six goals and three assists for both Villarreal and Levante in 20 total appearances.
He also shone for Cameroon during the African Cup of Nations, scoring once as they reached the quarter-finals, and those performances have seen a number of clubs step up their interest in the 22-year-old heading into next summer.
Newcastle are one of those clubs, and it's reported that the club's sporting director Ross Wilson has been paying extra close attention to the striker in recent months, and they have been very impressed, even through the periods where he has struggled in front of goal.
Levante currently value the player at more than €30m (£26m), and while it's a high price for the Spanish market, Newcastle are willing to pay it as they know that it could turn into a bargain.
Eyong would be open to the move if a deal could be agreed, as he sees the Premier League as a great platform for his talent, and Newcastle will continue to monitor him up until the end of the season before making a decision on whether they should make a move or not.
Eyong Another Striker Gamble
nick woltemade
Newcastle made two big striker signings last summer, and both were gambles for different reasons.
Wissa's goal record at Brentford in the Premier League was excellent, but it was a huge fee for a player who turned 29 shortly after joining, and he has struggled to implement his game at the highest level, with just one goal all season following a knee injury.
Woltemade on the other hand was another huge fee, with the Magpies paying for his potential rather than immediate quality. While the German started well, he has gone off the boil since, and is struggling with the pace and intensity of the league.
Eyong would be less of a gamble when it comes to the fee, but he would arguably be more of a gamble on the pitch considering his lack of experience at the highest level. It's something for the club to consider before making a move, but there is no doubting the talent that he has.
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