Newcastle want Mohammed Kudus at West Ham after Bryan Mbeumo ‘big blow’
Newcastle United are keen to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham after missing out on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Football Insider understands.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Ghana international is “definitely” on the Magpies’ list of targets this summer.
Eddie Howe will want to strengthen his side in the transfer window as they prepare for a return to the Champions League next season.
Last month, Football Insider reported that Newcastle were rivalling Arsenal and Man United to sign Bryan Mbeumo, following his excellent campaign.
However, it has since emerged that the Brentford attacker is closing in on a move to Man United, meaning those at St James’ Park will have to find an alternative option out wide.
Mohammed Kudus tipped for Newcastle United move
It is understood that West Ham are ready to sell Kudus this summer, as they look to raise funds for their own signings.
The Hammers are facing a major exodus of first-team players at the London Stadium, and so could need the sale of someone such as the Ghana international to fund replacements for those leaving the club.
With that opening the door for the likes of Newcastle to move for Kudus, O’Rourke has explained that the Magpies could look to take advantage of that, given they appear to be out of the race for Mbeumo.
“He’s definitely somebody who is on Newcastle’s list. We’ve been talking about it for ages now, the research for this right-sided forward that they want to bring in.” he told Football Insider.
“Kudus would fit the bill for that one, obviously left-footed, inverted, he can score goals and create goals. I think missing out on Mbeumo, is a big blow to Newcastle, because Eddie Howe had made him his top target.
“But with Mbeumo seemingly choosing Old Trafford over St James’ Park, they’re going to have to move down their lists to see who else they can potentially bring in.
“And for me, Kudus, could be a good natural fit for Newcastle, because look, West Ham are openly willing to let the Ghana international move on. And I think if Kudus was to move to a club, I think we’ll see the best of Kudus again.
“He was unbelievable in his first season at West Ham. I think he got 14 goals from midfield. And I think obviously, didn’t have the best season. Just the season gone there for West Ham, but overall, the team did struggle as well. So there’s definitely a top-class player in there.”
West Ham star set for summer transfer saga
Given his quality, Newcastle will not be the only team who are interested in signing the Hammers ace this summer.
Indeed, the likes of Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Kudus in recent times, so there may be a battle for his services.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have also been linked with the likes of Anthony Elanga at Nottingham Forest, so they have other options to target as well.
All of that leaves all involved with plenty of options to weigh up, ensuring there is unlikely to be a swift resolution to this whole situation.