Previous Newcastle target Dominic Solanke nominated for player of the season

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will be watching on with interest as Dominic Solanke continues to excel.

The forward is having the season of his life for Bournemouth, currently boasting 24 league goals. Only former Magpie Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored more. He has a record-breaking tally of 38.

And Solanke has been recognised for his achievements by the EFL. The 24-year-old has been nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award. He’s up for the gong alongside Mitrovic and his Fulham teammate Harry Wilson.

It’s a testament to Solanke’s performances that he’s been nominated. And his season could get even better with the Cherries still chasing automatic promotion. Scott Parker’s side are currently second with seven games remaining.

Whether Bournemouth come up or stay down, Howe will certainly feel vindicated by Solanke’s performances – and perhaps wonder what might have been.

Eddie Howe gave Dominic Solanke his big Bournemouth break

Howe has been criticised by some people for his transfers, deemed to waste money on poor players. In fairness, the Solanke saga didn’t reflect well on him initially.

The youngster was signed by Howe for £19million in 2019. By the time the now Toon boss left Bournemouth in the summer of 2020, Solanke had managed just three Premier League goals.

He was seen as an incredible waste of resources, and became a stick to beat Howe with.

But the myth regarding Howe and transfers has been debunked, and now Solanke is performing.

Solanke was a Newcastle target in January

The Magpies were searching for a striker in the winter transfer window, and were linked with Solanke.

Howe was reportedly keen to be reunited with the former Chelsea and Liverpool man. The Telegraph stated he’s a ‘big fan’ of Solanke.

However, a move failed to materialise, with Bournemouth keen to keep their star striker as they continued their promotion push.

With Newcastle set to be in the market for a striker once again, it will be interesting to see whether or not Howe reignites his interest in Solanke.

That may depend on whether or not Bournemouth return to the Premier League. If they do, it feels highly unlikely that they’d be willing to sell their top scorer.

But if they do remain in the Championship, perhaps Solanke will be open to leaving and testing himself in the top flight again. If that does happen, it would be no surprise to see Newcastle and Howe linked.