'Newcastle make new Mohammed Kudus transfer decision after Eddie Howe verdict'
Newcastle United are undecided over pursuing a move to sign West Ham star Mohammed Kudus in the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and West Ham scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Eddie Howe has doubts about the 24-year-old's consistency.
His £85million release clause is also an issue for the Magpies, who would need the Hammers to lower their demands before even considering an offer.
Football Insider revealed on 9 June that Newcastle could negotiate a lower fee for Kudus as they are not prepared to match his release clause.
After a difficult season in East London which saw the Ghana international pick up five goals and four assists in 35 appearances, interest is believed to have cooled.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in May that Kudus will turn down Saudi Pro League offers and plans to stay in Europe should he be allowed to leave West Ham.
Newcastle consider Mohammed Kudus swoop after West Ham claim
Brown told Football Insider in May that West Ham will listen to offers for Kudus as Potter is prepared to move on without the midfielder in his side.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that while Newcastle are among the interested clubs, there are concerns about the deal.
"Newcastle would be a very good move for Kudus," he told Football Insider.
"He's a very talented player, so of course there's interest and clubs appreciate that.
"At his best, he can beat people, he can score goals, he can create goals and he can be a real difference-maker in any team you put him in.
"The concern Newcastle have is that he doesn't show that talent often enough, he can drift out of games and it feels like you're playing with ten men.
"Eddie Howe wants players who give you consistent performances, and he doesn't do that.
"So the question Newcastle have is whether they can get the talent out of him more regularly.
"There's too much of that in his game at the moment, sometimes he looks like he doesn't want to be there and that will be an issue.
"At £85million or whatever his release clause is, there's no way Newcastle would do that deal.
"They'll consider it if they can cut down that price tag, but they're not sure about him.
"They've got other targets as well, so I think they're more likely to go for them before Kudus."
Anthony Elanga update emerges at St James' Park
Kudus is not the only winger on the Magpies' radar this summer, as they could now step up their long-term interest in Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga.
Football Insider revealed on 15 June that Forest will demand £50million to sell Elanga after turning down a £35million offer from Newcastle last summer.
The Sweden international scored six goals and provided 11 assists as he featured in every Premier League game for Forest this season, making him a key part of their plans.
However, former Brown told Football Insider on 10 June that Elanga wants to join Newcastle as the Magpies are preparing to open talks.
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