NUFC can unearth their own Abraham as Ashworth plots bid for "fearless" £25m bulldozer - opinion

Newcastle United have already got their summer transfer window underway by signing Matt Targett on a permanent basis.

Dan Ashworth is being tasked with improving Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and it will be interesting to see how he fares after joining from Brighton.

One player who has been touted with a move to St. James’ Park since the sporting director’s arrival is Chelsea centre-forward Armando Broja, who West Ham have reportedly been willing to pay £25m for.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope recently named the Albania international as one of the players on the club’s wish list, Tweeting:

“Re alternatives, NUFC like Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca but feeling he prefers to stay in Italy. Interest in Chelsea’s Armando Broja. In defence, N Ake too much & Lloyd Kelly unlikely. Plenty names still in play & long way to go, but preference is to get Botman/Ekitike.”

By securing a deal to sign Broja, Ashworth can land the Toon their own version of England international Tammy Abraham.

Both players are English-born number nines who came through the academy set-up at Stamford Bridge and the former Southampton loanee can now follow in the Roma star’s footsteps by sealing a permanent move away from Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Abraham signed for the Serie A side last summer and plundered 26 goals across the Italian top-flight and Europa Conference League. This came after he managed six goals in 22 Premier League outings for Chelsea in the 2020/21 campaign.

Interestingly, Broja produced six goals in 21 starts for Southampton on loan in the division and he could now be ready to explode at the top level just like Abraham has.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards heaped praise on the Albanian last season, saying: