‘Off the radar...’ - Reliable reporter says Newcastle could make surprise striker signing

Newcastle United could make a surprise signing at striker this summer, claims reliable journalist Mark Douglas.

The Toon have been linked with a myriad of strikers this window with Eddie Howe looking to strengthen his side’s depth in the final third.

Newcastle were of course eyeing a move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, with a £33m agreement even in place at one stage. However, after protracted negotiations, the North-East outfit pulled out of the deal, with the player ending up on a season-long loan at Paris Saint-Germain.

More recently, the Magpies have been rumoured to be interested in signing the likes of Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, Ivan Toney from Brentford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton.

However, huge transfer fees being quoted have sent Newcastle looking elsewhere, with the club desperate to add alternatives to Callum Wilson and Chris Wood up top.

After Douglas revealed that recent target Benjamin Sesko looks likely to remain at RB Salzburg, he then went on to drop an interesting claim about the Magpies’ striker pursuit.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist said: “Of course you never know with these things and anything can happen. (Sesko) Fits the sort of profile #nufc seemed to be looking at with Ekitike. Maybe one to watch?

“Suspect next #nufc target might come in off-the-radar…”

Despite Wilson’s fantastic goalscoring record in a black and white shirt, having netted 20 goals in 46 games, the 30-year-old’s injury record raises doubts over his availability ahead of next season.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the forward missed 23 games due to injury, adding to his already extensive record on the sidelines during his time at Bournemouth.

Furthermore, with Wood only having scored two goals in 16 games for