Newcastle United have been backed to make a 'statement signing' in the shape of Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic by former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
The lowdown: Newcastle linked with Pulisic
The Magpies have been heavily linked with the American in recent weeks as Dan Ashworth attempts to further bolster Eddie Howe's options at St James' Park.
Premier League rivals Manchester United have also been linked with the 23-year-old, although no move is believed to be close for the versatile attacker.
As such, one pundit has been providing his verdict on the prospect of Pulisic arriving on Tyneside...
The latest: Potential 'statement signing'
Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United stopper Kenny has suggested that Newcastle would be making a 'brilliant' addition in the shape of the 50-cap star, and the 44-year-old is confident that the Magpies will get their man.
He said of Pulisic: “He’s fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea. I actually think Newcastle are probably a bigger rival to Chelsea than Man United are at the moment but there you go.
“He would be a statement signing. You are looking at a loan with the option of a permanent, which you would think they will take. He would be brilliant.
“It’s a big-name signing and it gets the attention on Newcastle a bit. This guy is the captain of the American side, now every football fan in America knows Newcastle.
“The main benefit is obviously that he improves the team and we know they need some new attackers. For me, this is a move that works and I can see it happening in those final days of the window.”
The verdict: Make it happen
Seemingly also interested in a double swoop for Watford duo Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro, PIF are clearly attempting to add further firepower to Howe's options on Tyneside.
Pulisic - who was tipped to become a 'world-class' operator by Pat Nevin - scored eight times and provided five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions last season, earning a 6.74 SofaScore rating whilst completing 1.1 successful dribbles, taking 1.3 shots and winning 3.5 duels per game.
Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Yeremi Pino, Rodrygo and Hirving Lozano (FBRef), Howe would certainly be welcoming a top-drawer performer to the squad and one who can drastically enhance the chances of a strong campaign.
Capable of playing centrally, in wide areas and in deeper positions, signing the £37.8m-valued American would be a sensational piece of business from Newcastle and would suitably strengthen the attacking ranks.