Newcastle United have made three signings this summer, bringing in Matt Targett from Aston Villa, Nick Pope from Burney and Sven Botman from LOSC Lille, but their fourth summer arrival was meant to be a striker.
Eddie Howe needed a new centre-forward as Dwight Gayle was loaned out to Stoke City, Callum Wilson has missed 32 games in two seasons, Chris Wood scored just two goals in 17 games and Joelinton only managed four league games from 35 league games last season, but he’s not close to agreeing a deal as the season looms.
Newcastle welcome Nottingham Forest to St James’ Park in their opening Premier League game on August 6, giving them nine days to have the squad ready, but Paddy Kenny is confident Howe will get a striker before the campaign begins.
He told Football Insider: “Newcastle need a striker. They have money in the bank. I think at this point it is probably about finding the right transfer. We know Howe wanted them in early doors. Now they need goals.
“Newcastle have the money to make things happen and I’m sure they will get one of those players in before the start of the season.” Kenny is being overly optimistic, however, as Howe spent weeks trying to sign a striker without success.
It’s not the end of the world going into the new season with Wilson, Wood and Joelinton either, so Newcastle aren’t going to rush. They’re unwilling to pay over-the-odds and won’t make any rash decisions in the transfer market.
In other news, Eddie Howe warned over selling Allan Saint-Maximin
