Newcastle have been handed a major blow to their transfer aspirations as their long-time target, Hugo Ekitike is set to join Liverpool soon. The Magpies will now need to find other alternatives to fill the vacancy of another striker to partner with Alexander Isak.
Newcastle have already been linked with Yoane Wissa, Benjamin Sesko and Endrick among others as potential candidates. That said, now it seems like the club have turned their attention to PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.
TBR Football reported that while appearing on ‘The Transfers Podcast’, journalist Duncan Castles has stated that Newcastle are in pole position to sign Kolo Muani ahead of Manchester United. He said:
"He went to PSG ahead of interest from clubs including Manchester United, what I’m hearing from the French end is that there’s been enquiries from Manchester United about his availability, but I don’t think they are as advanced as they are with other clubs.
“Newcastle United are involved in this conversation and I think at present it looks like they are the most likely destination for Kolo Muani."
Newcastle in pole position to sign Randal Kolo Muani ahead of Manchester United
PSG bought Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of €95 million. However, the French striker failed to make any significant impact at the Parisien club and was sent on loan to Juventus in the second half of the last season.
The 26 year-old’s time in Italy is a different story all together. He successfully nailed down a starting spot and appeared in 22 matches for the Italian giants while scoring 10 goals. Kolo Muani initially wanted to stay at Juventus and even rejected Chelsea but the Italian club have brought in Jonathan David instead. Meanwhile PSG are looking to offload the player and St James’ Park can be the next destination.
Newcastle need another striker to cope up with the increasing number of games each season, especially with the Champions League in mind. Magpies current primary striker Isak is expected to stay at the club despite earlier links with Liverpool. Kolo Muani could be a reliable option upfront along with the Swedish striker. However the French striker will reportedly move to Newcastle only if a starting XI spot is guaranteed, which could complicate the deal. All things said, for now we must wait and see how the club proceed regarding a deal to sign Kolo Muani.