‘Devastating’ - What Ralph Hasenhuttl and Luis Enrique said about Newcastle-linked Armando Broja

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. As well as Newcastle and West Ham, Southampton are also interested is signing the striker for a second time.

“He knows how important it is for him as a player to play continuously,” he said. “Here he gets that chance and has shown he fits us and our shape.

“There are a lot of examples where players after changing clubs do not perform as they have done with us. He must know this and that his agent knows this.

“We have a good relationship with Chelsea and are in good contact. He is their player. We have tried to develop him here, and I think we have. If they think we should do it another year and do not want to sell him in the summer, then there is no better spot to be.”

Spain manager Enrique singled out Broja for praise following their narrow 2-1 win against Albania in March. Speaking post-match, he said: “If you look at him at Southampton he (Broja) causes