2 days Ago By [email protected] (Ross Gregory)
Newcastle United will look to move for a back-up striker to Alexander Isak this summer as part of a critical transfer window for Eddie Howe. The Magpies have barely signed a guaranteed starting player in the last three windows, as PSR regulations have hit home. But with United now in a better financial position, they look set to splash the cash before the start of the new season.
There are four key areas sporting director Paul Mitchell is looking to strengthen in - goalkeeper, a centre back, right-sided forward and a central striker. Howe is hopeful of getting quality players in which can help Newcastle challenge on multiple fronts next season, with European football already guaranteed. On the striker front, Isak has shouldered the majority of the burden this season, with Callum Wilson's injuries and Will Osula's inexperience meaning there often hasn't been many options for Howe to call upon.
It has meant a need for another frontman, especially with the additional games likely to arrive next season. Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha is one player on United's radar. The Brazilian can operate across the frontline and adds versatility and creativity as well as goals, and is believed to be available for around £62million this summer due to a release clause in his contract.
Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap also has a release clause, around half of Cunha's at £30m, and has also been linked with Newcastle . The duo will be in high demand this summer, and Manchester United are also keen on both players. However, former Newcastle and Man Utd star Andy Cole has warned his old clubs that Delap, in particular, may not yet be the finished article they need - and instead has suggested Nigerian star Victor Osimhen could be a better bet.
“I think wherever he [Delap] goes, if he does go in the summer, it's going to be very interesting," Cole told OLBG.com. "I think he's had his first season of the Premier League and he's got 12 or 13 goals.
“He's young and we can talk about, yeah, he's one for the future, but the teams that you mentioned (Newcastle and Man United), I think both teams, they need an out-and-out goalscorer. “Isak has been unbelievable for Newcastle this season and if he can stay away from injuries, come next season, I think Newcastle can propel themselves forward again. In Manchester United's case, they've got two young strikers now who have found it really difficult, and I think they're at that stage now where a little bit of experience would do them really well.
“I've already mentioned someone like Osimhen, but someone who's got that experience to play at a club like Manchester United and score goals throughout their career. I think both teams would possibly like to do something like that, a little bit more experience." Osimhen has been offered to Newcastle this summer, with Napoli hoping to sell him for a cut-price £60m, having initially valued him at around £113m before he left for a loan spell at Galatasary.
Chronicle Live revealed back in February that the forward was someone Newcastle were considering. Cunha, meanwhile, has attracted almost as many headlines for his fiery attitude as he has for his goals and play, with the forward seeing red twice already this season. He has missed five games through suspension and was fined £80,000 for an incident with a member of the Ipswich coaching staff after their game.
“Talented, he's a talented player," Cole added. “I think he's proved that at Wolves and he's been very much a Wolves' talisman this season, if you see some of the quality of his goals. “I know people might turn around and say, he might have a little bit of an attitude problem, but I wouldn't say that.
He plays on the edge, and I think that's what brings the quality out of him”..
