Newcastle United are desperate to bring in a striker.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has reportedly lodged a loan bid to bring West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho to St James’ Park, according to the Sun.
But the Magpies, who face competition from Everton for the Senegalese, have had that bid knocked back by the Hammers as Benitez’s desperate search for a striker continues to frustrate.
Joselu and Dwight Gayle have managed just three goals each so far this term, and Newcastle have been linked with Danny Ings and Islam Slimani as reported in the Chronicle. However no official bids have been made as uncertainty regarding budget and a potential takeover remains.
It is fair to say that Newcastle fans will not be jumping for joy if they do sign Sakho. He is by no means an inadequate player in the Premier League but, like Joselu, he would be a cheap and uninspiring acquisition.
He has scored just two league goals this season and eight since August 2015 in the top flight. He has had his injury troubles too but the goal tally is similar to that of their current crop of forwards.
Slimani’s and Ings’ recent records are not much better in fairness to the former Metz hit-man but they have enjoyed more success than Sakho in the past.
In the 28-year-old’s first season at West Ham, he did score a respectable 12 goals in just 26 matches but has failed to replicate that form since.
What is alarming for Newcastle fans is that it is another deal that does not look like happening. He is a similar price to Joselu so maybe it is an indication of the level the Magpies are at currently and he may well be the best they can hope for.
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