Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring Sturm Graz striker Rasmus Hojlund, forward of a possible swoop this summer season.
What’s the phrase?
Based on journalist Chris Waugh – in a Q and A for The Athletic – the Magpies are believed to be conserving tabs on the 19-year-old, with supervisor Eddie Howe in search of attacking recruits having been pissed off available in the market in that regard to this point.
The membership insider suggests, nonetheless, that it isn’t identified whether or not the Tynesiders will really make an method for the Danish big, with the 6 foot 4 menace one in all ‘a number of names’ on the membership’s record of potential targets.
The northeast facet have already backed away from a deal for Actual Sociedad striker Alexander Isak as a result of potential, hefty asking value, whereas additionally they noticed long-term goal Hugo Ekitike be part of Paris Saint-Germain.
Wooden substitute
A brand new striker is seemingly of paramount significance with Howe presently being compelled to depend on a formidable, but injury-prone Callum Wilson to steer the road, with January arrival Chris Wooden providing little competitors in reserve.
The £25m addition from Burnley scored simply two league objectives in 17 appearances for the membership after making the swap within the winter window, with the 30-year-old’s signing already trying like a short-sighted and costly mistake.
In want of an improve, turning to a younger and hungry asset reminiscent of Hojlund may properly be the best match, with the previous Copenhagen starlet having already confirmed himself one thing of a menace in entrance of objective in his embryonic profession to this point.
Having netted 5 objectives in 32 video games in all competitions throughout his spell in his homeland, the Denmark U19 worldwide was unsurprisingly snapped up by his present facet in January, the place he has since gone from energy to energy for the Austrian outfit.
The towering colossus – who has been dubbed “wonderful” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig – has already scored ten objectives and supplied three assists in simply 18 video games throughout all fronts for Sturm, together with 5 objectives in simply six video games within the 2022/23 season.
The £4.05m-rated powerhouse has already been described as “freezing chilly” by his supervisor Christian Ilzer as a result of his ending prowess, with Howe little doubt set to relish the possibility to assist enhance such an explosive prospect.
In reality, Hojlund seems an actual intriguing prospect who could be a function at Newcastle for the long-term, whereas Wooden – who has already confronted doubts over his future at St James’ Park – seems to be more likely to be a mere short-term repair.