According to the Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, Rafa Beitez is now considering moves for Swansea winger Andre Ayew and Liverpool striker Divock Origi – with the gaffer keen to sign ‘two or three’ attacking players before the window shuts.
With alleged ‘top target’ Alassane Plea completing a £22m move to Germany last week and a deal for Salomon Rondon seemingly up in the air given his age and £16.5m release clause, it looks like Rafa is considering his options as he pushes to bring some new attacking talent to NUFC.
Our interest in Origi was confirmed by the Chronicle earlier today, but it’s interesting to hear claims that Ayew IS a genuine target – potentially backing up reports over the weekend that we were keen on a loan deal (with an option to buy) for the Ghanaian winger.
Starting with Ayew, here’s what the Echo have had to say about our alleged interest – claiming he’s ‘long-term’ target of NUFC’s and someone who’s keen to stay in the Premier League despite interest from Turkey:
“Newcastle’s search for a striker has already taken them far and wide this summer, and now they have added Andre Ayew and Divock Origi to the list of forwards they are considering recruiting.
“Ayew is a long-term Magpies target, and is set to leave the Liberty Stadium this summer in the wake of Swansea’s relegation from the top-flight.
“Besiktas have agreed the terms of a season-long loan deal for Ayew, who moved to Swansea from West Ham for £18m.
“However, Ayew would prefer to remain in England, and his representatives are understood to have approached Newcastle to propose a deal.
“The Magpies have signalled a possible interest in a season-long loan arrangement, despite Ayew having failed to find the net for Swansea in the second half of last season.”
Ayew’s a funny one. His second spell at Swansea wasn’t the best – with him being unable to keep them up – but he’s versatile (can play anywhere in attack), has a goal in him (12 from midfield during his debut season in England) and is a real live wire on his day.
Then to Origi – the Belgian striker who’s back at Liverpool after a season-long loan spell with Wolfsburg last season.
Here’s what Scott Wilson’s had to say on our interest in him, suggesting he is another target of Rafa’s and a preferred option to Danny Ings:
‘Origi is another loan target, with Liverpool keen to overhaul their attacking department before the transfer window closes on August 9.
‘The Reds have made Danny Ings available for transfer, but despite Newcastle having coveted the former Burnley striker for a number of years, the Magpies will not be meeting Liverpool’s £20m asking price for the injury-plagued frontman.
‘They are more interested in Origi, with Liverpool understood to be willing to consider a loan deal for the Belgian, who has struggled to make much of an impression at Anfield following his £10m switch from Lille.’
It’s not ideal to hear that loans are being discussed for both – with permanent signings seeming few and far between at NUFC these days – however I do believe that both would be handy signings.
Ayew has 24 goals from midfield across his last three Premier League seasons, whilst Origi has scored 21 goals during two full seasons at Liverpool – which isn’t bad at all given most of his appearances will have come from the bench.
Would you take either of these, or would you prefer to see Rafa go for recently linked alternatives such as Rondon, King and Andros Townsend?
Ayew you got to be kidding , and both loans , where’s the money fatty
Jack(Quote)
is this the best we can come up with? usual transfer window lots of talk and NO action!
we wont survive another season unless we freshen up our squad with some serious new arrivals….over to you FAT boy
Joe G(Quote)
I can see why it’s frustrating (both loans?), but I reckon they’d actually be handy signings.
Ayew, when used right, has looked a dangerous player at PL level (12 goals in debut season?) and Origi has got over 20 goals in his two full seasons at Liverpool – and most of his appearances would’ve been from the bench.
Don’t get me wrong, it wouldn’t be the big ambitious signings we’re hoping for, but they’d both be upgrades on what we’ve got?
It’s not good enough from Ashley, but I back Benitez to get the best out of his limited budget and these two would be MUCH better than last summer’s striker/wide man signings (Joselu / Murphy).
Olly Hawkins(Quote)