According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle could hijack Lyon’s move for Zenit St Petersburg forward Sardar Azmoun as their £3m deal stalls.
What’s the story?
Well, it seemed as if Lyon had beaten Newcastle to Azmoun when they agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with the 27-year-old.
However, the Ligue 1 outfit are only willing to pay £3m for the 60-cap Iran international, which Zenit St Petersburg find unacceptable.
Azmoun becomes a free agent when his contract expires in June, so he’s available for a cut-price fee this month.
The Daily Mail believe Newcastle have made fresh enquiries after hearing that Lyon are struggling to finalise the deal.
So far this season, Azmoun has scored ten goals in 21 appearances, while also providing four assists.
Impressively, the Zenit St Petersburg No.7 has netted against Chelsea and Juventus in the Champions League this term.
What can Newcastle expect from Sardar Azmoun?
If Newcastle successfully hijack Lyon’s deal for the Iranian, then the Toon Army should expect plenty of goals from this deadly finisher.
Azmoun – who UEFA likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic – has impressively scored 110 career goals in 272 games.
His prolific nature has also seen people describe him as the Iranian Messi.
With Callum Wilson currently injured, Eddie Howe needs a new frontman at St James’ Park.
As good as Wilson is, Howe cannot go into a relegation battle relying on an injury prone forward – it’s too risky.
If Azmoun arrives on Tyneside, it would be fantastic business from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and Amanda Staveley.
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