Kieran Trippier reacts to Ollie Watkins’ message as Newcastle line up ‘£100m transfer’
Newcastle United could launch a big-money move for Ollie Watkins amid the growing speculation over Alexander Isak’s future.
Eddie Howe is on the hunt for a new striker this summer after Callum Wilson left St. James’ Park at the end of his contract, but Newcastle’s efforts to find a new number nine have so far been unsuccessful.
The Magpies’ big-money bid for Hugo Ekitike has instead culminated with the Eintracht Frankfurt striker agreeing a move to Liverpool, whose own interest in Isak has massively unsettled the Sweden frontman.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s squad for their 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic and was subsequently sent home by Howe with his future up in the air, with the Magpies’ approach for Ekitike massively backfiring.
The belief that Isak’s head has been turned by Liverpool’s approach for him has left Newcastle in a bind as they attempt to strengthen their frontline this summer, and attention has now turned towards Watkins.
Newcastle interest yet to take Watkins’ eyes off Aston Villa
Eddie Howe was already in need of options up front this summer after Wilson’s departure, but Isak possibly following suit has left Newcastle scrambling for a new number nine and Watkins could fit the bill.
Stefan Borson told Football Insider that a move for Watkins would cost Newcastle close to £100million in wages and transfer fees combined, but the England striker remains an Aston Villa player for now.
Watkins posted on Instagram (22 July) from Bodymoor Heath with a selection of photos in Villa’s new home kit, and one of several players to like the striker’s post was Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier.
Watkins move unlikely as Newcastle weather Isak transfer storm
Football Insider Verdict
Aston Villa may be in a precarious PSR position after Newcastle beat them to a Champions League place on goal difference last season, but it’s unlikely that Watkins would want to play second-fiddle to Isak.
Furthermore, selling Watkins for a fee in the region of £50million makes little sense when Aston Villa also believer they could earn double that for Morgan Rogers, though they are reluctant to lose either player.
Isak’s complex scenario at St. James’ Park is largely seen as Newcastle’s own doing, and with Watkins keen to make the most of his peak years, it remains to be seen if he’d want to step in and potentially upset the situation even further.