Newcastle United are expected to target a striker in the summer transfer window amid the steady underperformance of their current forward options.
Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have struggled for consistency in front of goal after arriving in Tyneside for humongous amounts of money last summer, and speculation is already surrounding them and the forward corps of the Magpies ahead of July’s transfer market.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, for one, believes Tottenham Hotspur forward Dominic Solanke should be a priority target for Eddie Howe’s club.
“Newcastle United should be moving quickly in the summer transfer window to sign Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke,” Wyness told Football Insider.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, Wyness outlined why he views the 28-year-old as a strong fit.
“Yes, I think he would. I think Eddie Howe would get the best out of him as he’s done before. I think he’s perfect for Newcastle,” Wyness said. “I think with the Woltemade situation, he seems to very unhappy right now. And I would say that Solanke would be a big upgrade compared to Woltemade. And I think working with Eddie Howe would be very good.”
Wyness also suggested that talks may already be happening and progressing toward the completion of a deal once the season is over.
“So I’d say from Newcastle’s point of view, definitely a thumbs up for Solanke,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some deals happening behind the scenes right now.”
Solanke previously played for Howe at Bournemouth and has established himself as a Premier League scorer. That said, he’s still part of a side that is bound to be relegated, or come close to that fate, which begs questions about whether or not investing in him would be a wise move by NUFC.
For now, no formal bid from Newcastle has been reported, and it’s fair to assume the Magpies recruiting and scouting of potential transfer targets is still in the early stages, with a few months and a World Cup still to come before clubs can get down to business.