Report: Newcastle make move to sign £22m Sunderland target after missing out on Ekitike, he wants Premier League switch

Newcastle United are navigating a tricky summer transfer window, with multiple targets slipping through their fingers and pressure mounting to reinforce the attacking unit.

After letting Callum Wilson go, Eddie Howe identified several top-tier forwards as possible replacements. First came a strong interest in Joao Pedro, only for Chelsea to outbid them with a staggering £60 million agreement with Brighton.

Next, the Magpies shifted their focus toward Hugo Ekitike, but Liverpool pounced and struck a £79 million deal with Eintracht Frankfurt, leaving Newcastle empty-handed once again.

As the transfer window advances, Newcastle now face further uncertainty with Alexander Isak attracting significant interest from Liverpool and several Saudi Pro League clubs.

Despite the setbacks, a promising opportunity may be emerging. Newcastle have now made a move for Ivory Coast international Evann Guessand, a player who has also caught the attention of newly promoted Sunderland and Championship side Leeds United.

While the Magpies have yet to engage directly with his club, OGC Nice, they have initiated discussions with the 24-year-old forward’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a possible summer swoop.

According to reports, Guessand is eager to test himself in the Premier League and sees this summer as the right time for a new challenge.

Guessand’s profile fits Newcastle’s needs on multiple levels. With Isak currently holding down the No.9 shirt, any new arrival in attack must offer more than just a central goal threat.

Guessand’s versatility across the front line makes him an ideal candidate for Eddie Howe’s system. In the 2023/24 campaign, the Ivorian forward showcased his adaptability by featuring in several attacking roles.

He scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 42 appearances across all competitions—an impressive return for a player operating in a variety of positions.

Most notably, Guessand produced his most prolific numbers while deployed on the right wing, contributing eight goals and six assists in 16 outings.

He also featured 13 times as a centre-forward, chipping in with three goals and one assist, and made six appearances on the left wing, where he added two goals and three assists.

This versatility makes Guessand an appealing option for Howe, who could deploy him alongside Isak rather than viewing him merely as a backup.

The ability to play across the entire frontline gives Newcastle tactical flexibility, especially as they juggle Premier League fixtures and potential European commitments.

With an estimated valuation of £22 million, Guessand represents a more financially manageable alternative to the expensive options they’ve missed out on this window.

The player’s hunger for a Premier League opportunity could also play into Newcastle’s favour, especially if the Magpies can act quickly and decisively before their rivals make formal bids.

While nothing has yet been agreed with OGC Nice, Newcastle’s interest appears genuine and focused. The move could offer the attacking reinforcement the club desperately needs, particularly if Isak’s future remains uncertain.

At just 24 years old, Guessand still has room to grow, and a switch to Tyneside could serve as the perfect platform for him to make an impact in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.

With his physicality, technical skill, and proven versatility, he could become a valuable piece in Eddie Howe’s evolving attacking puzzle. If Newcastle can close this deal, it may be the turning point in what has been a frustrating window so far.