Who is Armando Broja? The Chelsea youngster linked with a Newcastle United move

Reports earlier this week made Chelsea prospect Armando Broja the latest player to be linked with a move to Newcastle United. The Northern Echo claim frustrations in the Toon camp are growing over their attempt to sign Hugo Ekitike.

ChronicleLive understands a deal between Newcastle and Reims was close but the 20-year-old wants assurances before penning a long-term deal. The deal is not thought to be dead in the water but the Magpies will be forced to change tack should the saga continue to stall.

One player named as an alternative is Blues forward Broja, who has found first-team opportunities difficult to come by at Stamford Bridge. ChronicleLive has profiled the Chelsea man to analyse what supporters can expect if he becomes Eddie Howe’s third summer signing.

Born in Slough, England, to Albanian parents, Broja signed schoolboy terms with Tottenham Hotspur before rivals Chelsea poached him a decade ago. The 20-year-old decided to represent his parent’s country, playing for Albania U19s and U21s before earning his first senior cap against Lithuania in 2020.

Speaking to Goal last year, the forward called the decision to snub England “easy” amid Three Lions interest at the junior level. He said: “It is a big decision when you choose your country to play for.

“I went for it because I have Albanian blood in me, I am Albanian, my parents are Albanian so it was an easy decision. I thought I would love to make the people there proud and make my parents proud.”

Southampton signed Broja on loan last season, where he made 33 Premier League appearances. Six goals for the Saints has seen interest generated from Newcastle and West Ham.

Despite Chelsea achieving Champions League glory in 2020-21, Broja did not make an appearance as he