Newcastle United’s top transfer target is going to cost them a club record fee this summer – and even that might not be enough to sign him.
The Magpies are yet to make a real splash in the transfer market, with Newcastle’s £100million transfer budget burning a hole in Paul Mitchell’s pocket.
He is looking to sign a right winger and a centre-back, with most of the budget set to go towards the former. Eddie Howe wants someone to take his Newcastle team to the next level, as he eyes a forward to join Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle United linked with Jarrod Bowen
It has been reported that Jarrod Bowen is Newcastle’s top target in that position, with the West Ham United star once again on the Magpies’ radar.
The 27-year-old is not a new target for Newcastle. In fact, Bowen is a player who Steve Bruce was going to sign when he was Newcastle manager. However, Mike Ashley would not sanction the deal.
He went on to leave Hull City for West Ham, and has been outstanding in East London. He is on the back of his best season ever with the Hammers, netting 20 goals in all competitions.
Bowen to Newcastle transfer is a ‘non-starter’
Bowen would be an outstanding signing for Newcastle, but it is a deal that is ‘definitely’ not going to happen.
That is the view of HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the Magpies’ interest in Bowen.
“Bowen to Newcastle is an absolute non-starter,” he said.
“Tottenham have asked about Bowen and were told that he is absolutely not for sale. It would be well over £100million if they did try and come in for him. And if Tottenham can’t get him, then Newcastle can’t get him either.
“I’m told there’s very little interest from Bowen in a move to Newcastle. He’s got a lot of ties in London, while the money he is on at West Ham is comparable to what Bruno Guimaraes earns at Newcastle.
“The player is not pushing for a move, and West Ham do not want to sell him. Obviously every player has a price, but you would have to be a top four team to be able to pay it.
“He would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle – he would fit in wonderfully well. But he will not be playing for Newcastle United next season.”
Newcastle must take winger search elsewhere
West Ham do not want to sell, and Bowen is not too keen to leave either. And that is why Newcastle United have no chance of signing him.
A price tag of £100million is ridiculous money, and it sums up West Ham’s desire to keep a player who has a contract at the London Stadium until 2030.
If Toon officials were crazy enough to offer £100million for Bowen, it would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever. It would eclipse the £63million arrival of Alexander Isak, which broke Newcastle’s transfer record in August 2022.
But even if Bowen’s price was lowered to something nearer £70million and he was keen, it would still be an odd deal for Newcastle to do. While he is a fantastic footballer, he turns 28 later this year.
Given the Magpies’ recent history in the transfer market, it is fair to assume that they will target someone who is much younger to play alongside the 24-year-old Isak and the 23-year-old Gordon.
For multiple reasons, it seems all but certain that Bowen will not be signing for Newcastle United this summer.
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