Eddie Howe revealed Newcastle United's stance on signing a new striker at his pre-match press conference.
Newcastle United will reportedly not consider a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suarez this summer.
There were suggestions earlier this week that the Colombian - not to be confused with the Uruguayan former Liverpool striker - was on Newcastle’s radar. Ironically, the Reds have also been linked with Suarez.
The 28-year-old has scored 36 goals across all competitions to help fill the void left by Viktor Gyokeres. Several outlets on the continent have listed Suarez’s price tag at £50million.
Newcastle United do not want Luis Suarez
However, the Daily Mail claim Toon chiefs will not make a move for Suarez. At 28, his age profile does not suit the club’s criteria ahead of the summer window.
Newcastle have Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Will Osula in their attacking ranks. The consensus is that the Magpies would be better off prioritising another target - or position - than forking out big bucks on a player who turns 29 in December.
Eddie Howe downplays striker talk
Speaking to reporters, Howe dismissed the idea of Newcastle needing a new striker, referencing the players at his disposal. This is not to suggest the Magpies will not make a move should the right No.9 become available.
"Certainly not at the moment, because in terms of striker numbers, we've got healthy numbers in that position,” he said. “I'd say it's been a challenge for us, trying to find the right balance, trying to find a way to continually score goals and create the amount of chances that we want to. I don't think we're quite there yet. I think we've got work to do in that area.
“But obviously, Yohan’s had fitness struggles. Will Osula has really grown and flowered late into the season and I think he's done really well in recent games. Of course, Anthony's played there, Nick's played there and done well in the early season. So I think the players are there. We've just got to try and bring it all together and try and make it work.”
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