Newcastle United have ‘got an eye on’ Chelsea striker Armando Broja, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Broja bid rejected
The 20-year-old has been the subject of heavy transfer speculation this summer after his successful loan spell in the Premier League with Southampton.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham were set to bid £30m for the Albania international last month. Thereafter, Sky further reported that the Magpies are interested in bringing the Chelsea man to St. James’ Park this transfer window.
As per the Evening Standard, Thomas Tuchel’s side have already turned down the Toon’s loan bid for Broja, who will only leave Stamford Bridge this summer on a permanent move.
The Latest: Jones’ claim
Jones has weighed in on the situation, claiming that Broja is ‘definitely’ a target for Eddie Howe.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed:
“A forward is obviously the next big priority position for them, and Broja is definitely somebody whose situation they’ve got an eye on.”
The Verdict: Great signing with huge potential
Bursting onto the scene with Saints, Broja amassed ten goal contributions for the south-coast side last season, leading to manager Ralph Hasenhuttl labelling him ‘devastating’ in the final third while Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp hailed his 'incredible pace and strength'.
Indeed, at just 20-years-old, the striker has already shown how he is capable of leading the line in the Premier League.
When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Albanian ranks in the 86th percentile for aerials won, in the 82nd percentile for interceptions and in the 81st percentile for dribbles completed (via FBRef), depicting a well-rounded game and a player who can lead a press from the front.
If Newcastle are looking for an attacker for the long-term, they could not go too far wrong with Broja.