Sources: Newcastle in talks overly complete £50m striker after many options presented to Eddie Howe last week

The Magpies have intensified their pursuit of attacking reinforcements as the club engages in concrete discussions for Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani while evaluating multiple alternatives, including Porto’s rising star Samu Aghehowa.

TBR Football understands Newcastle’s recruitment team has entered direct negotiations with PSG regarding Kolo Muani’s availability, marking a significant escalation in their summer transfer strategy following several high-profile misses.

Kolo Muani’s situation presents an intriguing opportunity for Newcastle after Juventus stalled on meeting PSG’s £50 million valuation.

The French international, who rediscovered his scoring touch during last season’s loan spell in Turin, had previously rejected Tottenham in favor of Juventus but now appears open to Premier League football.

Newcastle’s longstanding interest, dating back to January when PSG first circulated his name to European clubs, has transformed into active negotiations as they seek to replace the Liverpool-bound Alexander Isak.

Porto’s 21-year-old sensation Samu Aghehowa has also been formally offered to Newcastle’s hierarchy, presenting a different profile – younger with explosive potential but less proven at elite level.

The Spanish forward’s 27-goal breakout season in Portugal has attracted attention across Europe, though Porto’s £70 million asking price represents a substantial gamble for a player with just one full senior campaign.

Newcastle’s extensive shortlist demonstrates their multifaceted approach to solving the Isak conundrum. Alongside Kolo Muani and Aghehowa, the club maintains interest in Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda, and has conducted due diligence on Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen.

This broad spectrum of options – ranging from established Premier League performers to continental prospects – reflects the complex balancing act between immediate impact and long-term planning.

The pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa continues in parallel, though Newcastle view the Congolese forward as a replacement for Callum Wilson rather than Isak’s successor.

This distinction underscores the club’s ambition to secure a marquee signing capable of leading their line in both domestic and European competitions next season.

With preseason preparations reaching a critical phase, Newcastle’s recruitment team faces mounting pressure to deliver.

The coming days will reveal whether their renewed push for Kolo Muani can bear fruit or if they’ll need to pivot to alternative targets in a striker market that grows more competitive by the day.

One certainty remains – the Magpies cannot afford another transfer window of near-misses as they seek to consolidate their position among England’s elite.

Strategic Considerations in Newcastle’s Striker Search

The contrasting profiles of Kolo Muani and Aghehowa encapsulate Newcastle’s dilemma in this transfer window.

The Frenchman offers proven quality across Europe’s top leagues and immediate readiness for Premier League football, but comes with questions about consistency following his PSG struggles.

Aghehowa represents exciting potential with his physical tools and goalscoring instincts, yet his inexperience makes him a riskier proposition for a club with Champions League aspirations.

Newcastle’s ability to negotiate favorable terms will be crucial, particularly with PSG seeking to recoup a significant portion of their initial €95 million investment in Kolo Muani.

The player’s apparent willingness to consider England as a destination strengthens Newcastle’s hand, though competition from Tottenham and potentially other suitors could complicate matters.

Financial considerations loom large over all potential deals. While the impending Isak sale to Liverpool will provide substantial funds, Newcastle must navigate Profit and Sustainability Regulations carefully.

This explains their thorough evaluation of multiple options across different price points, from the premium Kolo Muani to more economical alternatives like Strand Larsen.

As negotiations progress, Eddie Howe’s preference will likely prove decisive. The Newcastle manager values both technical quality and physical attributes in his forwards, making Kolo Muani’s well-rounded game particularly appealing.

However, Aghehowa’s youth and potential resale value align with the club’s broader recruitment strategy under sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The coming week could prove defining for Newcastle’s summer business. With the new Premier League season rapidly approaching and European commitments on the horizon, securing the right attacking addition could mean the difference between building on last season’s progress or facing another transitional campaign.

The Magpies’ ability to finally land one of their primary targets after several near-misses will test both their negotiating prowess and pulling power in an increasingly competitive market.