Newcastle: £21m target has ‘huge potential’ as bid launched at St James’ Park

Newcastle United could sign a striker with ‘huge potential’ in Paris Saint-Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

Securing an attacker is believed to be next on manager Eddie Howe’s wish list following the arrivals of goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett.

It’s claimed that Kalimuendo is one of several PSG fringe stars who are set to fall victim to new sporting director Luis Campos’ reign.

The esteemed chief has reportedly placed the 20-year-old on the transfer list, and French outlet Media Foot have disclosed that Newcastle have tabled a €20 million (£17m) offer for him with €5m (£4.2m) coming via potential add-ons.

However, fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United are also said to be eager on securing Kalimuendo’s signature.

Phil Hay of The Athletic revealed that the west Yorkshire outfit are ‘firm admirers’ of the France Under-21 international as they continue to be frustrated in their pursuit of Club Bruges Charles De Ketelaere.

And 90min have now stated that Leeds are ‘close to agreeing terms’ on a €25m (£21m) deal with PSG, meaning Newcastle may have to act quickly to avoid disappointment.

Talbot is clearly a big fan of Kalimuendo, who spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at RC Lens, and informed GiveMeSport that he would ‘love’ for the youngster to make the switch to Newcastle.

In an interview, he told GMS: “I’d really, really like him to come in, especially as he’s a young talent as well.

“Thirteen goals for I think it was Lens last season, a very mid-table club. And he has loads of opportunity to grow, huge potential, and that’d be fantastic. I’d love that to happen.”

As Talbot alluded to, Kalimuendo found the back of the net on 13 occasions for Lens last