Newcastle United are ‘keen’ to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja on a season-long loan with the view of making the deal permanent next summer, according to reliable journalist Scott Wilson.

The Lowdown: West Ham pull out of Broja deal

Having returned early from the Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States, the Albania international looked set to sign for London rivals West Ham.

However, due to Thomas Tuchel's reluctance to sanction a sale, the Hammers eased their interest in the striker, deciding to pursue options elsewhere.

As a result, the Irons turned to Gianluca Scamacca, who agreed to join the club after a £35.5m fee was accepted by Sassuolo.

The Latest: Wilson’s news

Wilson, chief sports writer for The Northern Echo, has shared an update on Broja’s future.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist said:

“TRANSFER LATEST: Armando Broja's future plunged back into uncertainty after West Ham shelve interest in Chelsea striker. NUFC still keen on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent switch next summer...”

The Verdict: Great long-term signing

If Newcastle can secure the 20-year-old on loan with an agreement to make the deal permanent next summer, this would be a fantastic long-term signing for Eddie Howe.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the forward ranks in the 86th percentile for aerials won, in the 82nd percentile for interceptions and in the 81st percentile for dribbles completed - he is an all-action presence who presses from the front and takes the game to his opponents.

With the Magpies desperate to sign an extra attacking player this window, the arrival of Broja at St James’ Park would be welcomed, given his ‘devastating’ ability to exploit open spaces in the final third.