Newcastle United have turned their attentions towards the Bundesliga amid the club’s ongoing efforts to reinforce Eddie Howe’s frontline ahead of next season, according to reports.
The latest attacker in the sights of the transfer team at St. James’ Park? Thorgan Hazard.
As per a report from Patrick Berger of German outlet Sport1, wide-man Hazard, brother of Real Madrid star Eden, has been added to the ‘shortlist’ of targets being considered by the Magpies this summer.
It is also added, though, that the 29-year-old is not viewed as a priority signing at present.
Instead, Hazard is Newcastle’s ‘Plan B’, with a concrete proposal for his services having not yet been tabled on the part of the Geordie outfit.
Borussia Dortmund, for their part, are understood to be ready to part with the Belgian international in the case of an offer arriving in the region of €15 million.
#BVB winger Thorgan Hazard is on Newcastle United‘s shortlist. He is in talks with some Prem clubs, as reported three months ago. But the Belgian is only Plan B at #NUFC. There is no concrete offer so far. Dortmund would sell him this summer for around €15m. @SPORT1
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) June 24, 2022
Newcastle being forced to widen the club’s search for reinforcements in the final third of course comes amid ongoing uncertainty when it comes to their pursuit of long-time target Hugo Ekitike.
After coming close to landing the Stade de Reims sensation in January, it was viewed as a foregone conclusion that, upon reopening discussions with the Ligue 1 outfit this summer, the Magpies would quickly push a deal for Ekitike over the line.
And yet, as the weeks pass, the saga continues to drag out.
This comes with the 20-year-old, on the advice of his representative, understood to be dragging his feet, hopeful of an offer arriving on the part of one of European football’s heavyweight clubs.
Newcastle United are still in talks for Hugo Ekitike but are prepared to walk away from the deal if progress isn’t made. PSG are also interested. #NUFC
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) June 23, 2022
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