Some breaking news this afternoon, as The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has revealed that Newcastle have made an enquiry to sign Stoke City striker Joselu, confirming that the club are in talks with the Spaniard.
It was reported in the Stoke Senitel that we had seen a ‘derisory’ bid rejected for the forward, however those rumours were quickly put to denied, with it being confirmed that talks are ongoing at this stage after an initial enquiry:
#nufc haven't placed a firm bid for Joselu yet but there has been an enquiry. Talks ongoing.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 4, 2017
The 6ft 3′ Spaniard has failed to hit the heights since making a £6m move to Stoke in 2015, scoring just 4 goals in 22 games (with just 10 of those being starts) as well as notching just the six during a loan spell at Deportivo last season.
Joseulu has been in devastating form for Mark Hughes’ side over pre-season however, bagging 4 goals in 2 games thus far, including this impressive strike:
Joselu's second tonight ? #SCFC #WODPOD #StayedHit pic.twitter.com/zudmQ6CRD9
— Wizards Of Drivel ? (@wizardsofdrivel) August 1, 2017
Despite failing to nail down a place in Stoke’s side – going out on loan to La Liga side Deportivo last season – Mark Hughes has previously described the striker as a ‘technically adept’ forward upon his arrival two years ago:
“He’s a good technical player – he’s got good ability and I like his movement.
“His link-up play is very good and with the finishing we’ve done so far in training I’ve been very pleased.
“You can see technically he’s very adept, getting his body in the right position to take chances”
A potentially underwhelming addition given his record at Stoke, but Joselu is a former Spanish U-21 international who may have a point to prove – two traits Benitez is clearly fond of this summer given Manquillo and Merino’s arrivals.
I’d be concerned if he was signed to be our main man next season, but with Daryl Murphy sold and Mitrovic and Riviere also facing a likely sale, we are in need of striking reinforcements and the Spaniard could be a much needed option, providing a more prolific striker came in.
I think we have hit desperation time in the bid for a striker. It also begs the question why did we loan out Toney and Armstrong before making sure we had someone bought or loaned in ?
Life is Black and White(Quote)
It doesn’t bode well if we are turning to a player who can’t even get into a team we should really be competing with this season does it?!. ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well said Sharpy.
Michael Adam(Quote)
Wow
Bloodyhell(Quote)