Newcastle among PL trio ‘interested’ in €20m ex-Liverpool striker

According to reports, Newcastle United are among three Premier League clubs ‘interested’ in signing former Liverpool man Taiwo Awoniyi.

Liverpool paid around £400,000 to sign the 24-year-old in 2015. He was unable to make his senior debut for the Premier League side.

After several loan spells at different clubs, he joined Union Berlin permanently last year for £6.5m.

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Awoniyi has impressed for the Bundesliga outfit this season. He has netted 17 goals from his 36 appearances across all competitions.

The forward made his debut for Nigeria last year and Liverpool have the benefit of a 10% sell-on clause.

German journalist Christian Falk has revealed (via Twitter) that Newcastle United, West Ham United and Southampton are all ‘interested’ in Awoniyi.

These clubs could eye a bargain deal this summer as the player has a €20m release clause.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United have reportedly taken advantage of Aston Villa’s hesitancy over Philippe Coutinho by insisting they ‘have no problem’ meeting Barcelona’s demands for the playmaker.

Coutinho has rediscovered his form on his return to the Premier League having moved to Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window until the end of the season.

Villa have an option to sign the Brazilian for €40m, but are yet to commit to the permanent transfer.

And now Sport (via Sport Witness) claim Newcastle have made their move for the former Liverpool star.

The report states that while Villa have asked Barcelona for time to make their decision, Newcastle have ‘taken the opportunity’ to make their desire clear.

The Magpies have not only told Barcelona they will pay the €40m fee, but have also told Coutinho’s representatives that