Newcastle United remain interested in a January deal for RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman, according to The Athletic.
The 5 ft 8 forward has struggled to establish himself in the Bundesliga since leaving Everton in a £22.5million deal last summer, with Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann rarely turning to the Charlton Athletic product.
Lookman’s lack of playing time at the Red Bull Arena sparked murmurs on Tyneside that Steve Bruce could offer the 22-year-old a second chance in England, having failed to make the grade at Goodison Park.
Former Toffees boss Marco Silva only awarded Lookman starting roles in three Premier League games last season alongside a host of outings off the bench, neither of which returned a single goal.
Bruce’s initial hopes of a deal focused on landing Lookman on a temporary transfer for the second half of the season, though the Toon were later informed that Leipzig would not consider any loan offers, despite his limited action.
Leipzig’s stance is thought to have sparked United to begin sounding out potential alternatives with a deal for Lookman now put on the back burner, as the club have not yet warmed to presenting the firm obligation to buy that the Bundesliga side are chasing.
Should Lookman be the club's main January target?
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Lookman is keen to leave the Red Bull Arena and test himself in the North East, but will have to hope that Bruce and Managing Director Lee Charnley do not begin targeting other options.
Instead, Lookman will need to have faith in Bruce and Charnley convincing Mike Ashley to part with his cash, with it noted Leipzig do not want to lose any of their £22.5m investment in the winger’s services.
But, unfortunately for Lookman, reports in Portugal have suggested that SC Braga’s Ricardo Horta has emerged as an alternative candidate, and that the club are ready to forge an offer to sign the one-time international.
It is not expected that our opening offer for Horta will be accepted, but an increased bid would likely indicate the club moving on from Lookman in our search for Bruce’s winter reinforcements.
With the clock ticking on the January window, movement has to be made in our forward pursuits one way or another, otherwise Bruce will be left ruing the missed opportunities the winter has presented.
In other Newcastle United news, a rumoured target is ‘getting ready to say goodbye’ to his current side ahead of a January switch to St. James’ Park.