Newcastle United have lodged an enquiry into a potential transfer for Rangers star Alfredo Morelos, as boss Eddie Howe considers completing two centre-forward signings in January.
That’s according to 90min, who report the Magpies are weighing up two deals with Callum Wilson facing a lengthy absence. Howe is aware he must sign a striker this month, after the 29-year-old sustained a calf injury against Manchester United.
Fears have now spread that Wilson also hurt his Achilles and could miss two-months to the rest of the season. His absence leaves Joelinton and Dwight Gayle as Howe’s only strikers. But the Brazilian has scored the sole Premier League goal between them so far this term.
Newcastle are considering a host of strikers to replace the goals lost without Wilson, who has scored six this term. Only Allan Saint-Maximin (4) also has more than one league goal.
United are interested in Flamengo ace Gabriel Barbosa, and he is open to joining. The have also contacted Arsenal to discuss deals for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah.
Newcastle are clearly refusing to put all their eggs in one basket, as they have also made an enquiry into Morelos leaving Rangers in the January transfer window to stand in for Wilson.
Newcastle have price in mind for Morelos deal if Rangers green light transfer
Morelos has enjoyed a strong season at Rangers heading into January to catch Newcastle’s transfer interest. The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions so far this term. He has recorded eight of his strikes and all four assists in the Premiership.
The Colombian’s efforts have also directly led to 11-points, including beating St Johnstone 2-0 on December 15. He scored and assisted against the Saints to impress McDiarmid Park boss Callum Davidson. He told The Herald at full-time that Morelos’ display was ‘superb’.
Morelos joined Rangers from HJK Helsinki in 2017 for just £1m and is under contract until 2023, so Newcastle will face a far greater fee for a transfer. But CBS report the Toon have considered offering $27m (£20m) to beat rival emerging interest at Everton and Leicester.
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