The latest twist in Benitez’s hunt for a new striker – it’s good and bad news for NUFC

Over the last 24-48 hours it has became apparent that Feyenoord’s Nicolai Jorgensen and  Leicester’s Islam Slimani are the two strikers at the top of Benitez’s wish-list, and two interesting developments have emerged on the duo late last night.

In summary, positive news has arrived on the Jorgensen front, however a deal for Slimani has been cast into doubt. Here’s more on the duo linked with a club record move to Newcastle:

Nicolai Jorgensen

The Chronicle have revealed that the Feyenoord goal-machine is understood to be ‘keen’ on making the move to Tyneside, with them stating that he is now ready to take on the challenge of firing us to Premier League safety.

They also claim that his salary demands would not be an issue, suggesting a deal purely relies on us lodging an acceptable offer.

On that note, it is significant to hear Dutch reports claim that Feyenoord would be unable to turn down an offer of €20m – meaning a new improved £17.5m bid could all but seal his signing.

Islam Slimani

Now to the Leicester striker who is also ‘high on Benitez’s wish-list’ according to several North-East sources (Chronicle / Shields Gazette/ Simon Bird – Mirror).

It’ll be one or the other when it comes to him and Jorgensen, but this one is looking a little difficult to get done if new claims last night prove to be accurate.

As reported by the Mail’s Craig Hope and the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Monaco are believed to have entered the race to sign the want-away Algerian forward on loan – and crucially, it seems as though Leicester would only be willing to sell to a fellow Premier League club (ruling out a potential loan):

It may be that we still do pursue a permanent deal for Slimani, however I am unsure if Mike Ashley will pay anything close to £20m for a player turning 30 this year? A loan deal with an option to buy would make a lot of sense, but it seems Leicester wouldn’t sanction such a deal.

So, Jorgensen and Slimani appear to be our top two striker targets, but it’s the former that’s looking more likely right now – providing we do up our bid that is.

Who would you prefer to see us sign?

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

2 thoughts on “The latest twist in Benitez’s hunt for a new striker – it’s good and bad news for NUFC

  1. Go for Slimani – proven talent in Premier League, and more likely to hit the ground running.
    Is much more likely to produce the goods needed (goals) at present, and has exprience of Premier League.

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  2. Slimani is a donkey the reason Leicester won’t loan him out to a Prem League club is that they know he won’t be bought and returned on the evidence of his lack of football skills he is no better than what we have

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