Newcastle United to pay ‘ridiculous’ fee for attacker after source’s update – pundit
Newcastle United have no choice but to pay “over the odds” for a new striker this summer.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the club’s transfer struggles.
Sources have told Football Insider (21 July) that Leeds have rejected an £18million opening bid from Newcastle for Jack Harrison as they want a higher fee.
Newcastle are yet to sign an attacking player this window after spending big on defensive recruits Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman earllier in the summer.
On 13 June, The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards reported The Magpies have been quoted £60million for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and £50million for Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Kenny insists Newcastle are doing the right thing by not bowing to these demands.
“It’s a catch-22 for Newcastle,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“They need someone in that area and they might be forced to pay over the top for someone. It’s mind games until the transfer window shuts.
“But some of the asking prices are ridiculous. Clubs know Newcastle need these players so they are entitled to ask for whatever they want.
“Strikers and wingers always cost a premium, they paid £25million for Chris Wood in January.
“They will sign someone, a target, they have to. And I think they will have to pay more than they want to.”
Newcastle face Nottingham Forest on 6 August in their first game of the 2022-23 Premier League.
After Dwight Gayle’s permanent move to Stoke, Callum Wilson and Chris Wood are the only out and out strikers available to Eddie Howe.
In other news, Newcastle United have been backed to spend transfer ‘war chest’ by one expert as ‘exciting’ deal confirmed.