‘Newcastle plot Christopher Nkunku swoop after Alexander Isak latest’
Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is open to staying in the Premier League.
Football Insider revealed in November that Nkunku could push for an exit from Chelsea as a result of limited first-team opportunities this season.
However, any deal for the Chelsea star is likely to depend on the future of Alexander Isak as he will want a guarantee of first-team football at his next club.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Newcastle will price Isak out of a move and their lofty asking price is expected to deter interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
Eddie Howe is determined to keep his star striker at the club beyond the end of the season, casting doubt over a potential move for Nkunku.
Nkunku ‘definitely’ leaving Chelsea amid Newcastle interest
Brown told Football Insider on 18 April that Nkunku will definitely leave Chelsea and is no longer a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the future.
Now, the former scout who remains very well-connected within the game after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that while the Magpies are potential suitors, there are doubts about the move.
“Newcastle have been looking at Nkunku from Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.
“But it will depend on whether Alexander Isak is staying or going.
“I don’t think Nkunku would be a direct replacement for Isak, but who is? He’s an option who could provide something different to their attack.
“But if Isak is staying, where does Nkunku fit? He wants to play regular football.
“Newcastle won’t be able to offer him that unless they sell first, which at the moment is unlikely.
“I think the player is open to staying in England, though, and he’s a better player than he’s been able to show at Chelsea.”
Jamie Gittens update emerges at St James’ Park
Nkunku is not the only forward on Howe’s shortlist this summer, as the Magpies are also considering a move to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens.
Brown told Football Insider on 20 May that Newcastle scouts have been watching Gittens and they could now make a move for his signature.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider last month that Chelsea are leading the race for Gittens ahead of the likes of Liverpool and other Premier League rivals.
However, Newcastle would be prepared to offer him regular first-team football in the Champions League as they aim to strengthen Howe’s attacking options.
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