Newcastle are struggling in front of goal, and the Express report claiming clubs are contemplating a move for Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos should have Steve Bruce joining the chase.
The Columbian has been prolific at Ibrox, scoring 36 SPFL goals in 66 games, including five from eight league games already this season.
In fact, he has been electric in the opening months of the current campaign, incredibly bagging 14 goals from 19 matches across all domestic and European competitions.
If Newcastle could lure him to Tyneside, he has the potential to get the goals currently missing from Bruce’s side, and could propel the Magpies away from any potential relegation scrap in the latter half of the season.
He will reportedly cost around £20 million, and while that is a big investment for Newcastle, he is only 23, and with his ability, fits right into Mike Ashley’s transfer bracket for age and potential sell-on value.
The down-side to Morelos’ game, however, is his discipline, which saw him sent off five times for the ‘Gers last season, while also picking up 16 yellow cards.
The last red card – in the Old Firm derby in March – led to Steven Gerrard publicly stating he could not defend the striker anymore, although he softened his stance a few days later, offering to help the striker with his disciplinary issues.
Whatever help Gerrard gave him seems to have worked, with Morelos only picking up two SPFL yellow cards so far this season.
Despite his issues with discipline, he is simply too good a goal-scorer to miss out on, and it is an area that Newcastle have to improve in.
Premier League is different level, but Morelos could score goals anywhere
Obviously the Premier League is a step up from the SPFL, but talent is talent, and Morelos certainly has what it takes to succeed in the world’s greatest league.
Bruce should be banging on Lee Charnley’s door, and demanding Newcastle rival other interested clubs for his signature.
Those other clubs are claimed to be Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, and – with no disrespect to them – if it was a choice between those two clubs, and playing at St James’ Park, despite our current league position, there is surely only one winner.
Goals are priceless in football, and without them, you cannot win games, with the net result being Championship football. Ashley and Newcastle cannot afford to let that happen again.
Morelos could be the answer, and Newcastle should go all out to ensure he is wearing black and white by when the winter transfer window closes.
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