Journalist Alex Crook has dropped a claim on reported Newcastle United target Armando Broja.

The Lowdown: Bid considered

It has been reported that the St James' Park outfit are considering making a bid for the Albania international before the transfer window closes.

They have also reportedly been interested in RB Salzburg's Benjamin Sesko and Atalanta's Luis Muriel, so it is clear that Eddie Howe still wants to bring in a new striker.

The Latest: Crook's claim

However, peaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crook has claimed that, contrary to reports, Howe does not want to sign Broja, who is not on the list of targets at Newcastle.

The talkSPORT journalist claimed: “I’m not convinced by the Newcastle links to Broja, to be honest. I’ve been told Howe doesn’t want him. I’m there to be proved wrong, but I’m told he’s not on their list.

“I think he wants too much money as well. There’s a certain wage structure in place at Newcastle that he would probably try and break.”

The Verdict: It's a shame

It would certainly be a shame if the Tynesiders were to miss out on signing Broja this summer.

Hailed as ‘devastating‘ by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini, and dubbed a striker with ‘incredible pace and strength’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, the 20-year-old impressed while on loan at Southampton from Chelsea last season, scoring nine goals and supplying one assist across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He already has four goals in 14 caps for Albania too (Transfermarkt), so he seems to be a forward with a maturity beyond his years.

If Chelsea make him available on the market, now represents the perfect opportunity for Newcastle to snap up Broja, as the likelihood is that he will only get better and better as he progresses through his 20s.