£15m release clause identified by Newcastle as Eddie Howe eyes striker
According to The Times, Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Serhou Guirassy; the Stuttgart striker who is free to leave for a bargain fee this month.
The free-scoring striker has netted 19 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions, with only Harry Kane (21 goals) scoring more than the former Rennes star.
He will be competing with Guinea at the African Cup of Nations this month, but his availability for £15m could be deemed an absolute snip for Newcastle; who could do with a bargain or two while navigating an ongoing battle with FFP.
In a transfer update for The Times, North-East reporter Martin Hardy insists that a midfielder has been a top priority for Howe, with Kalvin Phillips remaining a player of keen interest, but it’s believed another forward is also wanted.
With Callum Wilson suffering yet another injury and Alexander Isak having fitness problems of his own over the past 18 months, it makes sense.
Hardy adds that Guirassy is keen on a move to England, suggesting he’d jump at a move to St James’ Park should we activate the clause in his current deal.
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Summerville would have been too expensive for Newcastle
Newcastle are certainly in need of more attacking players who carry a significant goal threat which Summerville has proven so far this season with 18 goal contributions in 23 games.
However, the stumbling block for Newcastle was always going to be the price tag, even if Leeds were willing to let their star man leave in January.
If recent reports are to be believed and Newcastle are struggling to even afford the loan fee for Kalvin Phillips, then how exactly do they expect fans to believe they can spend however many millions on a young and exciting talent like Summerville?
It’s very worrying for the club as they continue to fall down the league table and are heading into some tough fixtures starting off with Sunderland in the FA Cup this weekend
Newcastle are now starting to look desperate
Heading into the January window there was at least optimism that new faces could soon be arriving on Tyneside, the only good news the fans have had to look forward to after a dreadful couple of months.
But even that looks to be unlikely with the club expected not to do any business until at least the end of the window and if they do make any offers for players they obviously do not have the financial strength to compete with other big clubs.
Summerville would have been a solid addition to the team, but it’s not the kind of player to single-handedly drag the team up the league and that is what will worry fans the most.
