Newcastle ‘plan to sign Ademola Lookman’ as ‘scouts spotted in Italy’
Newcastle United scouts have been in Italy to check on the progress of Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman ahead of a potential summer deal.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is on the Magpies’ list of targets.
This comes after Lookman had a public falling-out with manager Gian Piero Gasparini after the boss’ comments following his missed penalty against Club Brugge.
A 5-2 aggregate defeat against the Belgian outfit saw Atalanta dumped out of the Champions League, and the forward later described his manager’s comments as “deeply disrespectful”.
Football Insider revealed Newcastle’s priority is to sign a right-winger, and while Lookman predominantly plays down the left-hand side, his versatility is seen as a valuable asset.
The Nigeria international is capable of playing across the three behind a central striker, having also filled in as a second-striker and on the right wing.
That has made him a key target for Eddie Howe, who values versatility in his players and is keen to sign a forward to boost his attacking options.
Ademola Lookman looking to leave Atalanta amid Newcastle interest
Football Insider revealed on 28 February that Newcastle could sign Lookman from Atalanta as he looks for a way out following the bust-up with Gasperini.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Newcastle will be among the clubs looking to bring him back to the Premier League.
“Lookman is on their list of targets for the summer,” he told Football Insider.
“Their scouts have been over to Italy to have a look at him.
“So if they’ve done their job and identified him as somebody who would solve one of the problems within their squad, they’ll make that move.
“I must admit I never thought he would be good enough to be part of that upper-echelon of players, but since he went out to Italy he’s proved me wrong, and fair play to him.
“Newcastle will now be looking to see whether he’s somebody who would improve them.
“We’ve spoken before about their need to sign a right-winger and he’s versatile enough to do that.
“That’s something Eddie Howe likes from his players as well, the ability to play in more than one position if they are required to fill in elsewhere.
“There are a few positions in the team they want to replace.
“Jacob Murphy and Wilson are both not good enough, so Lookman would go some way towards replacing those players.”
Eddie Howe makes Callum Wilson exit decision at St James’ Park
Alongside the need to sign a new right-winger, Newcastle are set to assess the market to find a new striker to play second-fiddle to Alexander Isak.
Callum Wilson is the current second-choice under Howe, but Brown has told Football Insider that Wilson will leave Newcastle and is not expected to be offered new terms.
Concerns about his injury record have contributed to the club’s desire to see him leave, while a number of sides are believed to be weighing up a summer move.
He has missed 29 games through injury this term, starting the season with a back injury before suffering a hamstring issue just days after his return.
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