Newcastle United were linked with Aleksandr Golovin before the World Cup.
Newcastle United have tied up two signings this summer in Martin Dubravka and Ki Sung-yueng, but manager Rafael Benitez may be looking at the World Cup for potential transfer targets.
The Magpies clinched a top-half finish under Benitez last season and will be looking for key reinforcements to kick on again, with some World Cup talents surely appealing even on Newcastle’s limited budget.
Unfortunately, Newcastle already appear to have missed the boat on one top World Cup performer, with Russia’s Aleksandr Golovin potentially out of reach this summer.
Before the tournament began, agent Alexander Manyakov told Sport.ru that Southampton and Newcastle were battling it out for Golovin’s signature, with a fee of around €20million (£17.7million) quoted.
Golovin had already shown his quality with CSKA having hit seven goals and six assists last season, including a superb free kick against Arsenal in the Europa League, but his stock has grown at the World Cup.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has been the shining light in a hosting Russian side who have somehow reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, having dumped Spain out of the competition on Sunday.
Golovin has notched a goal and two assists for Russia whilst providing the creative spark in midfield, dazzling with his superb technical ability and the danger he can create from set pieces.
Newcastle would no doubt love to have Golovin as their No. 10, but with the Daily Mail reporting that Chelsea are pursuing a £27million move for Golovin, Newcastle appear to be out of the running.
The Magpies will surely now regret not pushing through a move for Golovin before the tournament began, and Benitez and co may have to watch on next season as he features for a Premier League rival.
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