Newcastle set to spend big to complete signing of ‘quality’ Wilson ally after expert update – pundit
Alex McLeish has tipped Newcastle United to sign a “real quality” striker to rival Callum Wilson for a starting role in January.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss suggested Eddie Howe would not be afraid to spend money to bolster his forward line.
As revealed by Football Insider injury expert Ben Dinnery on Thursday (30 December), Wilson could be out for at as long as four months if he suffered an Achilles injury against Manchester United.
As reported by Sky Sports last week (24 December), Odion Ighalo is among the Magpies’ shortlist of striker targets.
The 32-year-old is reportedly open to a possible move to St James’ Park.
McLeish admitted Ighalo has the Premier League experience Newcastle may want to add next month.
However, he suggested they are more likely to splash out on a “younger” hitman.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Ighalo was around during Eddie’s era at Bournemouth. He probably admired him from afar.
“Then again, I think they should really be targeting somebody younger and paying a bit of money if need be.
“Ighalo has done well, he was on loan at Manchester United. He certainly knows his way around the penalty boxes in England.
“He’s just getting that wee bit older and he’s been out the English game for a year now.
“I think he’ll be targeting real quality players who are good enough to go right into that Newcastle team.”
Ighalo is currently with Saudi Arabian outfit Al Shabab.
He left the Premier League earlier this year when his loan at Manchester United came to an end.
In other news, pundit tips Newcastle United to make U-turn on signing Dele Alli after source’s update.