The club’s struggles in recruiting a new striker this summer have been well documented. The lack of funds for transfers is self-evident. Kenedy’s signing only on a loan deal to go with he captures of Martin Dubravka and Ki Sung-Yueng earlier this summer means we have only spent £4m so far.
Our reported £20m offer for Alassane Plea hasn’t been followed up, and talk has been about going back in for West Brom’s Salomon Rondon despite Rafa reportedly being put off by the Venezuelan’s demands earlier this summer. However, I think we could do better than the West Brom striker. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
1) Moussa Marega
Reports in Portugal over the past few weeks have linked us with a move for the Malian international. He scored 22 goals in the Primeira Liga last campaign, and while he does have a release clause of €40m, there has been consistent talk that his club Porto would be prepared to offload the 27-year-old.
His arrival on Tyneside would likely be predicated by the sale of Aleksandr Mitrovic to Fulham in order to free up the funds required to make the deal happen.
2) Nils Petersen
The 29-year-old was named in Germany’s provisional squad for the World Cup after scoring 19 goals in all competitions for Freiburg last season. He is a target man, similar to Rondon, but he is also capable with the ball at his feet.
Reports have suggested he could be available for between £12m and £15m which could make him an affordable purchase for the club.
3) Bas Dost
I conducted a poll yesterday to see whether we should make a move for the Dutch forward and 89% backed a proposed offer for the 29-year-old. He is actually available on a free transfer following the termination of his contract at Sporting Lisbon.
Considering he scored 34 goals in all competitions last season, and plays very much as the focal point of the attack, we should seriously look into bringing the forward to St James’ Park.
What do you think? Are there any other names the club should consider? Let me know in the comments.