Loan market an option to bolster Magpies’ attack
NEWCASTLE United may be forced into the loan market this summer despite their new-found wealth following the £300m Saudi takeover.
Eddie Howe’s side have already spent close to £60m this window by adding Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett to their ranks in recent weeks.
The Magpies unleashed another £90m back in January in the battle to avoid Premier League relegation. As such, the new owners will have one eye on the balance sheets as they navigate their way through the next six weeks of transfer business.
Newcastle’s budget this summer varies depending on who you ask, with numerous publications estimating anything between £60m to over £100m. But the new owners know they must be patient and build steadily as they plot the club’s ascent up the Premier League.
Newcastle conducted a shrewd piece of business in January by persuading Aston Villa to part ways with Targett on an initial loan deal.
After an impressive temporary spell on Tyneside the defender’s move was made permanent last month in a £13m deal. A repeat of that tactic could see the north east outfit manage their spending in the short-term.
Howe is keen to add two more attacking outlets to his squad before September, with a striker and rightsided midfielder now the priority.
Newcastle will likely have to break their current transfer record, which stands at £40m, in the search for firepower but it is unlikely we will see two more big-money additions brought in this window.
Newcastle are keen to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer but face competition from Everton, West Ham, Southampton and even the Blues themselves. A loan deal with an option to buy is the Magpies’ preference but the player himself only wants a permanent exit if he is to leave Stamford Bridge.
Other attacking targets will cost a pretty penny, with clubs either closing the door on deals or hiking up the cost due to Newcastle’s wealth.
Bayer Leverkusen continue to change their stance over Moussa Diaby - Howe’s top target - but are expected to ask for around £55m in order for a transfer to materialise.
Alexander Isak is another target who has emerged this week but Real Sociedad will command a hefty fee for their attacker.
Everton are also said to have priced Newcastle out of a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin after selling Richarlison to Tottenham.
It is highly likely we will see Newcastle add more bodies in attack but unless they can generate serious cash through player sales or new sponsorship deals, they may have to go back to the cost-cutting days of Mike Ashley to make the numbers work this summer.