Newcastle
are interested in Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer and have
discussed him as a potential loan signing.
Chelsea intend to assess Broja in pre-season before making a decision over
his future. The Blues are short of options up front after allowing Romelu
Lukaku to return to Inter Milan on loan.
Broja, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, is also attracting
interest from the Saints and West Ham.
Sky Sports News reported last month that West Ham were planning a £30m offer
for Broja after identifying him as their top striker target this summer.
The 20-year-old impressed on loan at Southampton last season, scoring nine
goals in 38 appearances in all competitions.
Which positions are Newcastle targeting?
Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie:
Eddie Howe made big changes in January with five new arrivals - and expect
him to make a similar foray into the market in his second transfer window in
charge.
The Newcastle boss is at pains to describe the situation at the club as an
evolution rather than a revolution but he knows exactly the areas he wants
to strengthen.
Howe has already brought in a new goalkeeper with the £10m signing of Nick
Pope from Burnley.
Despite Dan Burn arriving in January and Fabian Schar signing a new deal in
May, the Magpies have also added a new centre-back with the £35m capture of
Lille's Sven Botman. There remains a question mark over Jamaal Lascelles'
long-term future at the club and it could well be the case that the club
captain leaves.
Newcastle fans are desperate to see Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta arrive,
but the club would have to blow the majority of their budget on one player
if they were to land Bruno Guimaraes' best mate. It's more likely that Howe
will attempt to stick with the midfield currently has at his disposal. The
manager was keen to strengthen at left-back and has done so by signing Aston
Villa's Matt Targett for £15m following his successful loan spell last
season.
Hugo Ekitike came close to sealing a move to Tyneside on Deadline Day in
January but decided to stay put at Reims. Newcastle remain interested but so
do some of the top clubs in Europe. The 20-year-old would command a fee in
the region of £30m but could fill in both on the wing and in a central
striking role so could be worth the price tag. He is the sort of young,
project-signing that Howe craves.
Newcastle spent £95m in January and there could be a similar sort of outlay
again if they were to add in the four or five areas outlined above.
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