Newcastle officials sent as Mitchell scouts “exceptional” star worth £54m

Newcastle United are eyeing a move for an “exceptional” European champion in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Newcastle transfer news as Mitchell targets forwards

The Magpies continue to be linked with new signings, including Jack Grealish, who could potentially depart Manchester City at the end of the season. The England international hasn’t always managed to consistently impress for the reigning Premier League champions and could jump at the chance for a fresh challenge.

A new centre-back is also a must for Newcastle this summer, with Kalidou Koulibaly mentioned as an option for Eddie Howe. While the former Napoli man possesses plenty of experience, he is now 33 years of age and doesn’t represent a long-term option at St James’ Park.

Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is another reported target for the Magpies, with the Englishman playing a key role in his side’s superb season, helping them sit third in the Premier League table currently.

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle is likely to be a talking point at the end of the campaign, and while he will hopefully stay put, added competition is needed, with Callum Wilson possibly moving on. Roma ace Tammy Abraham is seen as an option, with the former Chelsea man on loan at AC Milan this season.

Newcastle send scouts to watch “exceptional” winger

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are “considering a move” for Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman this summer, with Manchester United believed to be providing competition. Paul Mitchell has sent officials to keep an eye on him in recent months and Atalanta are believed to be open to selling if an offer of around £54m arrives.

The 27-year-old has been in a spat with his manager Gian Piero Gasperini after his boss called him “one of the worst penalty takers”, following a miss he was not supposed to take in a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge last week. He responded angrily on social media, calling his boss “disrespectful” and claiming the designated spot-kick taker asked him to take it.

Lookman could be a brilliant signing for Newcastle this summer, with the Nigeria international at the peak of his career, scoring a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen. The attacking ace even has some experience of Premier League football, scoring 11 goals in 96 appearances

in the competition, while Samuel Eto’o has heaped praise on him, calling him “exceptional”.

The fact that Lookman has clashed with Gasperini suggests that a summer exit could be on the cards for him at Atalanta, and Newcastle should be looking to pounce. While used as a central striker a lot of late, the former Everton man is also adept at shining in a wide attacking role, which could easily appeal to Howe, as he looks for added depth on the right hand side to compete with Jacob Murphy.

At 27, Lookman can come in and hit the ground running from the off, with his pedigree as a footballer seemingly growing all the time.