Kevin Gameiro shows Newcastle United were always fighting losing battle

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Newcastle wanted Kevin Gameiro in the transfer window.

Newcastle United ended up signing Islam Slimani on loan on transfer deadline day but at one point they had very different ideas.

The Northern Echo reported in January that Newcastle’s priority was to pursue a deal to sign Kevin Gameiro, but his £25 million asking price meant the best they could hope for was a loan deal.

Last night he confirmed why this was always a no-go for Atletico Madrid as he scored a crucial goal for the club in the Europa League.

Gameiro scored in Atletico’s 4-1 away victory over Copenhagen, scoring to put his side ahead with the score a 1-1 after they had gone behind early.

His selection as a starter highlighted his importance to the team, and why Atletico were unwilling to let him leave.

It also showed why he would have been reluctant to quit too, with the Europa League a particularly successful competition for him over the last few years.

Gameiro has won the competition three times with Sevilla and is bidding to make it four with Atletico this season.

He would have been an ideal signing for Newcastle but they were always fighting a losing battle.

Islam Slimani has the potential to be terrific if he can replicate his Sporting form for Newcastle, but hr will need to do a lot better than he has so far in English football at Leicester City.