Newcastle United were keen on signing Stoke City’s Joselu, reports claim.
Stoke’s Joselu celebrates scoring their second goal
According to The Telegraph, Stoke City’s Joselu turned down a move to Newcastle United.
The report claims that Stoke are willing to sanction a deal for the striker this summer if the Potters bring in another forward before the deadline, yet he has already rebuffed the chance to join Newcastle.
The Magpies have been keen to strengthen their squad this summer following their relegation from the Premier League last term, with Rafa Benitez identifying new forwards.
Stoke’s Joselu looks dejected
Dwight Gayle joined the club from Crystal Palace and has made a positive start to life back in the Championship, whereas the club recently secured a deal for Daryl Murphy from ipswich Town.
Murphy, 33, is one of the most experienced target men outside the top-flight and has proven his capabilites at Championship level, though fresh reports suggest he could have been the club’s second choice.
Joselu is very much in the mould of a target man also, and the former Real Madrid man still boasts plenty of quality despite having barely featured for Mark Hughes’ men over the past 12 months.
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes
After impressive spells in the Bundesliga with Hofenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hannover, Joselu joined Stoke for £5.75 million (Telegraph) with Hughes describing him as a technically adept forward.
However, with just four goals in 22 league appearances at the Britannia Stadium, it appears Stoke are willing to let him go and Newcastle boss Benitez saw him as an ideal candidate to bolster his forward line.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
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