Newcastle United want Luis Muriel but the Atalanta striker seemingly isn’t all that keen on making the move to St James’ Park this summer.
The Magpies are still in the market for attacking additions before the transfer deadline having endured frustration this summer.
From Hugo Ekitike choosing Paris Saint-Germain to Bayer Leverkusen demanding big money for Moussa Diaby, adding attacking quality hasn’t come easy for Newcastle.
There is still time for Newcastle to pull off an incoming deal but they may now face another stumbling block.
Newcastle United want Luis Muriel
Tuttomercatoweb reported on Saturday that Newcastle are interested in signing Atalanta forward Muriel.
It was suggested that talks may have been opened over the weekend with Newcastle keen on signing the Colombian.
However, Newcastle’s hopes of signing Muriel may already be drifting away.
Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla claims that a move to Newcastle is not on the cards because Muriel is not considering the Magpies as a destination.
It seems that Muriel isn’t all that attracted to playing on Tyneside and will seemingly rebuff Newcastle’s approaches.
Juventus are also understood to be keen on signing Muriel this summer, so whilst Muriel could well end up in black and white stripes, they seemingly won’t be Newcastle’s.
Muriel, 31, mostly plays as a striker but has also featured out wide and as a second striker.
The Colombian international racked up 14 goals and 10 assists in 39 games last season and continues to be a major threat over in Italy.
Muriel just doesn’t quite fit what Newcastle have been seeking this summer though.
Eddie Howe already has two experienced strikers in Chris Wood and Callum Wilson, so adding a younger option seemed to be the focus.
Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Sekou Mara were all linked, with all three very young, exciting talents.
Muriel is into his 30’s and just doesn’t really add up for Newcastle, so we’re expecting the Magpies to look elsewhere anyway this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
