Newcastle United reportedly now 'like' the look of Gianluca Scamacca as a potential alternative to Hugo Ekitike.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The Italian has come off the back of a standout season at Sassuolo, where he scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A games (Transfermarkt).

Magpies supporters may have become familiar with him, having watched him play against England for Italy in their 0-0 draw in the UEFA Nations League recently, as the Three Lions defence found it difficult to play against him at times.

The striker won all three of his aerial duels against Gareth Southgate's men at Molineux, a testament to his imposing 6 foot 5 stature.

The Latest: Ekitike alternative

Taking to Twitter, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that Newcastle now 'like' Scamacca as a potential alternative to Ekitike, with the latter's agent holding out amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.

However, there is a 'feeling' that Scamacca would prefer to stay in Italy, as Chelsea forward Armando Broja is also a player in whom the Magpies hold an 'interest'.

The Verdict: Wait for Ekitike...

Ekitike still remains the Tynesiders' number one centre-forward target, so they should wait to see if a deal can be pushed through for him first before they look at signing Scamacca or Broja.

Dubbed the ‘next Mbappe’ by some in France, the teenager certainly has a big future ahead of him, having broken onto the scene with 11 goals and four assists in French football last term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Scamacca is not much older at 23 and was called ‘deadly’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so he too has an eye for goal which could take Newcastle to the next level.

In other news, find out which deal NUFC have now tried to 'hijack'