Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce used the international break to scout Peterborough United forward Siriki Dembele on Saturday as the Magpies monitor the 24-year-old, as reported by Shields Gazette.
Dembele has been one of the standout performers in League One so far this campaign, with the forward having registered five goals and three assists in his opening 11 league matches for Peterborough this term (Sofascore). The 24-year-old has also averaged 1.5 key passes and 1.9 shots per match for the Posh (Sofascore).
The Magpies have been struggling to both create and take chances in the final third so far this season in the Premier League, with Bruce’s side coming under scrutiny for their lack of attacking intent so far this term. Newcastle have so far had the joint-fewest attempts on goal in the top flight (premierleague.com).
It is thought that Bruce went to watch Dembele, who had been linked with a potential move away from Peterborough in the summer, in their 2-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, per Shields Gazette. That would suggest the Magpies are considering making a potential move for the 24-year-old.
Peterborough are likely to be keen to keep hold of the forward in January as they target promotion. His manager Darren Ferguson has previously described him as ‘absolutely outstanding’ and made clear the need for the League One club to keep him in the summer.
Read Newcastle verdict
Dembele is one of the most promising talents in League One and he is starting to improve his end product in the final third and his underlying numbers. The 24-year-old has averaged an impressive 3.6 successful dribbles per game so far this term for Peterborough, which is almost on par with the 3.7 average from Allan Saint-Maximin.
The 24-year-old could therefore be another exciting player to add to Newcastle’s forward options and he has the flexibility of being able to play on both wings, in the number ten position and at centre-forward.
However, Dembele has only just started to stand out at League One level and it could therefore be a gamble to take him straight from Peterborough and expect him to hit the ground running straight away in the Premier League.
