Newcastle United trying to sign Ludovic Ajorque this summer is ‘unlikely’.
That’s according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who has addressed rumours linking Newcastle with the forward on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne.
It was recently claimed by Football Insider that the Magpies are one of three Premier League clubs trying to sign the 28-year-old.
They stated that he is keen on a move to England, and that Newcastle, Leicester and Crystal Palace are aware of his desire to play in the Premier League.
He’s a strange name to be linked with Newcastle, and now Waugh has provided some clarity on the situation.
What Waugh about about Ajorque to Newcastle rumours
The reporter has spoke about Ajorque and Newcastle on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, pouring cold water on the rumour.
“I’ve also been asked ‘who is Ludovic Ajorque?’,” Waugh said.
“He is a striker who plays in Ligue 1, he’s 28-years-old. Again, someone who has been on Newcastle’s radar before, but I think given age that’s probably more unlikely unless Howe really decides he does just needs another option.”
Ajorque to Newcastle never sounded likely
Given his age and the other strikers Newcatle have been linked to, talk of Ajorque coming to St James’ Park feels unlikely.
That’s not a knock on his ability. The Frenchman has been brilliant in Ligue 1 over the past few years. Last season the 6ft 6in striker bagged 12 goals and eight assists for Strasbourg. 20 goal contributions is incredible. If a Newcastle player did that we would be hailing him as a superstar.
Ajorque may well be on the club’s radar, but who isn’t at the moment? Newcastle are looking everywhere and anywhere they can for reinforcements, particularly in attack.
Ideally, Eddie Howe wants a younger forward. That’s why Hugo Ekitike was targeted, and why Armando Broja was then considered as an alternative.
However, Newcastle’s stance might change later in the window. It depends how desperate the Magpies are for a forward.
It might get to a point where Howe just gets anyone he can. That’s probably why the likes of Ajorque and Duvan Zapata have been linked. They don’t necessarily fit the profile, but they would do a job in the short term.
Regardless, Ajorque to Newcastle would come as a surprise, even if he is someone we’ve looked at signing.
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