Exclusive: Newcastle set sights on new signing after striker pursuit collapses
Newcastle United have turned their attention to alternative centre-forward options after their pursuit of Liverpool sensation Rhian Brewster collapsed, Football Insider understands.
The north-east giants are in the market for a second orthodox front man to complement Callum Wilson, who is putting the finishing touches to a £20million transfer from Bournemouth.
Recruitment sources have told Football Insider the club have been among the many top-flight and Championship clubs who have enquired about taking Brewster on loan from Liverpool this season.
But that particular avenue has been blocked by Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp, who has made up his mind to not allow the 20-year-old to leave in this window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last Thursday that Klopp wants Brewster in his squad in the first half of the season and will then re-evaluate the situation in January.
This mean Newcastle will have to look elsewhere for the front man Steve Bruce wants to provide cover and competition for Wilson and club-record signing Joelinton.
The Magpies manager will be without Dwight Gayle for three months after he broke down with a knee injury sustained in pre-season, while Andy Carroll is only expected to play occasionally as an impact player.
Bruce has been told by the Newcastle hierarchy he can recruit another striker on loan.
Newcastle had set their sights on Brewster as one possibility after his dazzling spell at Swansea City in the second half of last season.
The 20-year-old sensation showed Klopp he may be capable of something more than a fringe role by banging in 11 goals from 22 Championship appearances.
Liverpool have not signed any attacking players this window after pulling out of the race to sign Timo Werner, who subsequently joined Chelsea.
Brewster has also attracted interest from top-flights clubs Tottenham, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brighton as well as Swansea.