United must look forward as hunt goes on for striker
Abraham snub leaves Toon weighing up options
NEWCASTLE look set to miss out on a transfer target as Tammy Abraham nears a move to Premier League rivals Swansea City.
Abraham has preferred to hook up with former coach Paul Clement in South Wales as United face a blow in the summer transfer market that leaves them turning to another forward option.
With the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic up in the air and Newcastle in need of goalscoring threat to give them a cutting edge in the Premier League next season, the need for a new attacking threat on Tyneside is clear to see.
But who could Rafa Benitez turn to as an alternative to Abraham? Aaron Stokes assembles a possible Plan B for Newcastle. A player who has been linked with Newcastle in previous transfer win- dows is Andre Gray. Although not as spectacular as Jamie Vardy’s, Gray’s rise up the footballing pyramid is still a great achievement. Back in 2012, the 25-year-old was plying his trade for Hinckley United before spells at Luton Town and Brentford. Now, Gray is Burnley’s number one striking option and a reputable Premier League forward.
Last season, he scored nine league goals, which was almost a quarter of Burnley’s entire tally for the campaign.
His signature would not come easy but a proven top flight goalscorer is exactly what Newcastle need this season.
If Newcastle want to make a statement of intent this summer, Benitez could return to his former club and attempt to sign one of their top forwards.
Daniel Sturridge has scored 46 goals in 89 games in a Liverpool shirt despite struggling with numerous over the last few years.
However, his Liverpool future has been up in the air for some time now with the striker finding it hard to fit into Jurgen Klopp’s system. With the Reds already spending big money so far in this window, they may look to recoup some of it by selling the England international.
Knowing Sturridge’s ability, Liverpool are likely to demand a big transfer sum, which may deter potential suitors. However, the 27-year-old is a prolific Premier League striker and would be Newcastle’s first choice forward which could help the club persuade Sturridge to move to the North East. injuries influential chief scout. A French international with 13 caps, Gameiro has been prolific at Lorient, Paris SaintGermain, Sevilla and most recently under the guidance of Diego Simeone. Last season, he scored 12 goals in his 28 appearances. Yet to conquer the Premier League, Gameiro may be ready for a new challenge as he enters the last few years of his career. To add to this, with Antoine Griezmann announcing his stay in Madrid and Diego Costa making his feelings clear about a return to Los Colchoneros, Gameiro’s time at the club may be coming to an end.
Acquiring the Frenchman’s signing would be a huge coup for Newcastle United.