Report: Newcastle launch official bid to secure international top flight striker in January
Newcastle United have submitted an official bid to take Leicester City striker Islam Slimani on loan in the upcoming January transfer window, according to a report.
Algerian football news website Competition.dz claim that the Magpies have launched a move for the Algerian international forward, with the Foxes said to be unwilling to let the 29-year-old leave the King Power Stadium permanently unless it was for a a considerable amount.
It is stated that Newcastle, as well as fellow top flight side Watford, have made an approach to their Premier League rivals, with the 55-time-capped international adamant that he wants to remain in the same league if he is to depart his current club.
Slimani has failed to hit the expected heights since signing from Portuguese side Sporting back in 2016, netting just 12 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
This season has seen him net four League Cup goals in his 12 outings, as he still waits to find the back of the net in the league during the current campaign.
Football Insider verdict
What Newcastle are in desperate need of in the January window is a proven goalscorer, and Slimani has failed to prove his worth while playing for Leicester. It is said that he is keen to prove he has what it takes to succeed in England but can the Magpies truly afford to take that risk? Even Joselu, widely panned by the Toon Army since arriving from Stoke, has scored more league goals this season (albeit with many more minutes under his belt) and manager Rafael Benitez cannot afford to wait for any winter arrivals to hit the ground running. He needs recruits who will be ready from the off, and Slimani has not demonstrated that. A risky move, and one which could determine the Magpies’ survival this season.
In other Newcastle United transfer news, the club are eyeing up a triple swoop from the Premier League.
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