Newcastle United are poised to make a third bid of £60 million for Wolves’ prolific striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, following the initial £55 million offer being turned down. Their audacious pursuit stems from a desperate need to bolster their attacking arsenal after suffering failed attempts to secure their top striker targets.
In a turn of events after a dismal run in December marked by heavy losses to Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham, and Ipswich, Wolves appointed Vitor Pereira, under whom Strand Larsen flourished, netting eight of his 14 goals. Wolves capitalised on this form to convert his loan from Celta Vigo into a £23 million permanent move, activated by ‘certain clauses’.
Newcastle’s hunt for a striker became a necessity following a series of setbacks in the transfer market. Chelsea swooped in for Joao Pedro, Liverpool snapped up Hugo Ekitike, and Manchester United clinched Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa’s attempts to engineer a move to Newcastle by downing tools seem to have only fortified Brentford’s resolve.
The Magpies insist that Strand Larsen is not intended as Alexander Isak’s replacement, despite the latter refusing to play or train amid Liverpool’s persistent interest. Frustration mounts as Newcastle grapple to sign even one striker from their wishlist, leading to an impending third bid for Strand Larsen.
As things stand, Newcastle are temporarily counting on William Osula to spearhead the attack without the suspended Anthony Gordon. Though Osula scored a noteworthy goal against Liverpool, manager Eddie Howe remains unconvinced of his long-term suitability, especially as they head into a Champions League campaign.
Wolves’ stance on Strand Larsen is firm with their director of football, Domenico Teti, fully aware of Newcastle’s desperation, allowing Wolves to hold firm despite significant bids. Vítor Pereira has expressed a desire to keep his striker, yet acknowledges the reality of football economics.
With time dwindling in the transfer window, Wolves’ potential decision to retain Strand Larsen might compel Newcastle to shift their focus to Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, followed by other alternatives such as Raul Jimenez from Fulham, Bournemouth’s Evanilson, or a potential free transfer for Jamie Vardy.
Pereira’s comments encapsulate a manager bracing for the potential departure of a key player, yet eager to extract maximum value in the scenario. If Wolves cannot secure a replacement, a methodical retention for the Norwegian striker appears more likely amid Newcastle’s frantic search for forward reinforcements.
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