Newcastle United want to sign a striker this summer, and have reportedly made a move for Armando Broja.
That’s according to the Northern Echo, who claim the Magpies have asked Chelsea about signing the forward.
This comes after claims the Hugo Ekitike deal is off, with Newcastle growing increasingly frustrated in their pursuit of the young Frenchman.
Eddie Howe needs a forward, and it seems as though he is prepared to look elsewhere, which is why the club have enquired about Broja.
A move for Armando Broja could cost Newcastle a lot of money
If Newcastle are to sign Broja, they will need to fend off interest from West Ham.
While we had merely been watching the 20-year-old, David Moyes’ side are preparing a bid. According to Sky Sports, the Hammers will offer Chelsea £30million for Broja. It’s unknown whether that includes add-ons or if it’s a guaranteed £30million package.
Regardless, that is a lot of money for someone with just one season in the Premier League. He was on loan at Southampton last time out, scoring six times and providing another three in the cups.
His form on the south coast combined with his age and potential is why he could command such a big fee, but it’s one Newcastle might be reluctant to pay.
The club are being careful with their spending, and might not fancy getting embroiled in a bidding war with West Ham.
But he could prove to be a decent addition, and he’s a player who has impressed Toon legend Alan Shearer.
Shearer thinks Broja is ‘clinical’
After an impressive run of form last season, Shearer waxed lyrical about Broja.
“This lad is clinical,” he told the Premier League’s YouTube channel.
“His goal against Brentford in matchweek 21 made him the youngest player in Premier League history to score in each of his first four home starts.
“As a striker it’s all about taking chances and scoring goals, so stats like this tell me he can thrive in the Premier League.”
Broja also caught the eye of Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who believes the centre forward is ‘really exciting‘.
While his form faded last season, he certainly is an exciting talent, and fits the profile of the kind of player Newcastle are targeting this summer.
They want young players who can grow at the club and be a part of the present and the future.
Broja ticks those boxes, but a potential fee of £30million makes this deal hard to envision right now.
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