Newcastle United have been given little hope of signing Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in the January window, according to the Daily Star.
Head coach Steve Bruce is keen to utilise the mid-season market to strengthen his attacking numbers with Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle both injured, while £40million club-record signing Joelinton remains with a sole goal to his name.
Joelinton missed a myriad of chances to break his lengthy drought in front of the net against Rochdale in the FA Cup, but failed to beat the League One side’s 22-year-old ‘keeper Robert Sanchez with any of his six shots as we drew 1-1.
Of the Brazilian’s six efforts on Saturday, only one was deemed as being on target, as the cup affair went down as yet another miserable afternoon for the former TSG Hoffenheim man.
Signing a proven goalscorer this month is now a priority for Bruce, who ‘fancies’ securing a deal to bring Colombia striker Morelos to St. James’ Park, though remains interested in a move for Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen, as well.
But Bruce has been given no encouragement that a deal for either would be possible this month, and may now have to look elsewhere to solve our offensive plight.
A deal to bring Morelos to the North East would likely have been expensive, if it were possible, as Gers Chairman Dave King has previously stated that it would not even be worth making an approach as all offers would be rejected, even should they exceed £40million.
Head coach Steven Gerrard has likewise touted a substantial asking price for the 23-year-old, having told reporters in November that Morelos would easily be worth £50m.
“Do you believe me now? He’s not for sale. He’s not for sale at any price,” Gerrard said, via quotes by the Express.
Would you take Morelos in January?
Yes
No
Morelos would give us the proven goalscorer Bruce is after, albeit a proven goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership and not one with a track record of thriving in the Premier League.
The 6-time international has scored 28 times in just 35 games across all competitions, including 12 in 18 Premiership matches, six in six Europa League Group Stage ties and two in three Scottish League Cup meetings.
He has only scored once on the international stage, though, having struck his maiden goal with the winning effort during a friendly with Peru last November.
In other Newcastle United news, the club have scouted a £16.2m-rated midfielder ahead of a potential January move.