Newcastle United are yet to make a formal offer for Hull City star forward Jarrod Bowen, according to the Shields Gazette.
Head coach Steve Bruce is a ‘massive fan’ of the winger, but is currently prioritising the signing of a new left-back following season-ending injuries to Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett.
Toon chiefs have insisted that funds are available for the boss to strengthen his side ahead of Friday’s deadline, with the arrivals of FC Schalke 04’s Nabil Bentaleb and Inter Milan midfielder Valentino Lazaro not believed to be our only additions of the window.
But money will only be released if the right player becomes available, and that has thus far not included Bowen with Hull demanding £22million to release the 23-year-old.
The Tigers are also reportedly planning to activate their one-season option to extend clause in Bowen’s contract at the KCOM Stadium, which would keep the forward on Humberside until 2021, but must do so before March otherwise the clause becomes void.
Hull may not have to worry about the prospect of losing Bowen as a free agent in the summer, though, as it is now claimed that the Championship side have lowered their asking price from £22m to £18m.
Would NUFC regret not signing Bowen?
Yes
No
The drop in asking price could spark a flurry of activity ahead of Friday’s deadline, as a host of Premier League sides had been put off by the Tigers’ previous valuation and a loan-to-buy deal from Leeds United fell well short.
It was speculated earlier in the window that Leeds offered to pay £3m to sign Bowen on loan for the remainder of the season, with a further £12m guaranteed on the basis of securing promotion into the Premier League.
Newcastle chiefs were also reluctant to pay Hull’s lofty asking price, having insisted that we would go no higher than a base £12m with further performance-related clauses included to drive the price up over time.
St. James’ Park would be Bowen’s preferred destination if he is to leave Hull this month, though the Magpies are yet to make an official approach for his signature.
But with the winter market slamming shut on Friday at 23:00 and Bowen being a player adored by Bruce, the Leominster-born forward who has been involved in 23 goals in all competitions this season (17 scored, five assists) could yet be coming to Tyneside if the club are willing to move closer to Hull’s reduced asking price.
In other Newcastle United news, Bruce has been given late hope of landing a €40m striker after a key deal collapsed.