Reports by Sky Germany have offered Newcastle United renewed hope of signing Ademola Lookman, as RB Leipzig are still open to loaning the rumoured Wolves target this summer.
The Bundesliga side want to make a handful of late-window alterations to Jesse Marsch’s offensive and defensive options in Saxony. Die Roten Bullen may also need to target new midfielders, depending on the future of their captain, Marcel Sabitzer.
Bayern Munich are weighing up an approach for Sabitzer as the Austrian is in the final year of his contract. Leipzig have also agreed to loan striker Alexander Sorloth to Real Sociedad, who Lookman could now follow out the club.
RB Leipzig have not ruled out sanctioning a last-ditch loan to offload Lookman, following interest from Newcastle and Wolves. Chronicle Live reported Steve Bruce is a fan of the winger, but could not target him earlier in the market whilst prioritising Joe Willock.
Newcastle faced a £10m asking price when offered an opportunity to sign Lookman, who they also targeted in January 2020. However, with funds tight at St James’ Park, the price ruled out a move this summer. And opened the door for Wolves, who the Express reported this week are considering a £15m deal if they miss out on Valencia star Goncalo Guedes.
Leipzig’s allegedly inflated valuation would be impossible for Newcastle to overcome and sign Lookman, and deny Wolves their backup target. Bruce adamantly stated following the Magpies’ Carabao Cup defeat on Wednesday night that they can only sign players on loan.
“I’ve said it many times now,” Bruce groaned, via Chronicle Live. “We’re looking at the loan market because we haven’t got any money to spend.”
Newcastle still have chance to sign Leipzig winger Lookman before Wolves
So, with Leipzig open to sending Lookman out on loan, Newcastle may still have a chance to beat Wolves. The winger does not appear to be in Marsch’s plans after missing out on minutes in their fixtures this season. Marsch has also omitted him from all three squads.
But Lookman showed plenty of encouraging signs during a relegated Premier League term on loan with Fulham last season. He offered four goals and four assists in 34 games under Scott Parker, starting 31. Striking two of his goals against Manchester United and Leicester.
Parker was full of praise for Lookman during the winger’s loan spell at Fulham, dubbing him ‘first-class’, via football.london. The now-departed boss added: “He’s operating in the best league in the world, against the best defenders, and showing his quality every week. He’s a huge player, someone who is going to be the difference-maker at the top end of the pitch.”
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