Newcastle United’s failed move for Poland striker Krzysztof Piatek could see head coach Steve Bruce land Hertha Berlin forward Davie Selke on Deadline Day.
The Toon had been linked with a January move for Piatek after Swedish icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to AC Milan, though the 10-time international has since secured a mid-season move to the German capital on Thursday for £23.5million.
Piatek could now do to Selke what Ibrahimovic did to him and force the striker out of his current side, as Bild are reporting that the 25-year-old wants to leave the Olympiastadion amid vast interest.
Werder Bremen have been hot on Selke’s heals throughout the winter market having seen their current forwards score just one goal in their last six Bundesliga fixtures, but have so far been unsuccessful in their pursuit of the £9m-rated attacker.
Die Werderaner Sports Director Frank Baumann is a ‘big fan’ of Selke’s talents and tried to sign the former German U21 international while at RB Leipzig, but could not afford to complete a deal at the time.
Baumann could now have a second chance as Selke wants to leave Berlin ‘as soon as possible’ and has handed in a transfer request, with his future at the Olympiastadion in doubt amid fears he could be frozen out following Piatek’s arrival.
Five Premier League sides are willing to rival Werder’s bid, however, with Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford and AFC Bournemouth all alert to his potential availability.
Selke would not turn down a chance to ply his trade in the English top-flight, and is said to be available for a loan deal until the end of the season at €2m (£1.6m) plus his full salary.
Would you back a Deadline Day move for Selke?
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Newcastle certainly could do with offensive reinforcements before the 23:00 deadline hits on Friday night, having seen Joelinton’s league drought continue since his maiden strike against Tottenham Hotspur back in August.
Bruce has also confirmed United have been unsuccessful in bids to sign Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, with the Frenchman reportedly having agreed on a deal to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Selke could be a worthwhile option to sign given his rather cheap asking price for the remainder of the term, but his quality is questionable having only scored once in 19 league games this term.
A move for Selke is unlikely, anyway, as Bruce added that he feels all avenues have been exhausted, suggesting the likely Hertha outcast will not get a shot in the Premier League at St. James’ Park.
In other Newcastle United news, a £30k-p/w Steve Bruce regular is reportedly being eyed as a Deadline Day saviour as the Toon chase late sales.