Newcastle United are linked with Chelsea youngster Armando Broja amid a lack of progress over their pursuit of Hugo Ektike. A six-month-long transfer saga appeared to be nearing an end, with ChronicleLive understanding a deal between the Magpies and Reims was “close”.
However, no progress has been made and, while Newcastle remain at the table, alternative targets are now being drafted up. Broja spent last season on loan at Southampton - bagging six goals in 32 appearances - and the Northern Echo claim the Magpies and West Ham are interested in the 20-year-old this summer.
ChronicleLive profiled what those who know the striker best - as well as a Champions League-winning manager - have said about the Albanian international.
Hasenhuttl managed Broja at the Saints in 2021-22 and he fired a warning to the player should he decide against a second spell at St Mary’s.