Newcastle should take a look at Fedor Smolov, who is weighing up a move to West Ham.
Newcastle United’s efforts to sign a striker have so far hit a dead end, missing out on Nicolai Jorgensen and Daniel Sturridge over the past 48 hours.
So who next?
One forward they should certainly weigh up trying to sign is Russian international captain Fedor Smolov.
West Ham are dragging their heels, preferring a loan despite his availability, and this could give Newcastle room to steal in.
Smolov is Russia’s international captain and is set to star at the World Cup in June.
This season he has scored 10 goals in 13 Russian Premier League games, and has 59 in 90 appearances for the club in all.
Smolov, 27, would be in Newcastle United’s price range, with the fee required smaller than the bid they had turned down for Jorgensen last week.
The potential Premier League star has 11 international goals in 29 games, and could be a coup for West Ham.
But there is no reason why Newcastle should not get involved too, and attempt to hijack the deal.
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