The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has shared an update on Newcastle’s pursuit of Ademola Lookman this afternoon, revealing some of the key details that could make or break the proposed loan move.
He reveals that the former Everton talent believes he can ‘revitalise his career at Newcastle’ and has already told his agent he’s keen to complete a move to St James’ Park, however it seems the club have a few hurdles to overcome to seal a deal.
Edwards states that a loan fee is ‘yet to be agreed’, also claiming that an option to buy clause still needs to be negotiated between the two clubs, with Leipzig yet to set a price (for a potential permanent transfer this summer).
His piece for The Telegraph reveals how Newcastle are ‘frustrated’ that news of our interest has been leaked by German press, but insists there’s a willingness on both sides for a deal to be finalised – with us said to be at the ‘front of the queue’ for his signature.
Here’s a snippet from his latest piece on the winger’s potential move to Tyneside:
Newcastle United are hoping to sign the former Everton winger Ademola Lookman on loan for the rest of the season and are still trying to bring in another centre-forward for this month.
Lookman is keen to return to England after a frustrating time with Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig and would like to try and revitalise his career at Newcastle.
Although talks between the two clubs have begun, a deal is not in place, with a loan fee yet to be agreed. An option to buy clause also needs to be negotiated and a price has not been set yet. However, there does appear to be a willingness to get a deal agreed and Newcastle will be keen for things to progress quickly.
Newcastle will be frustrated news of their interest has leaked out in Germany, but the player is believed to have told his agent that he would like to sign for the Premier League club and they remain at the front of the queue with Leipzig.
Lookman impressed for Leipzig last season on loan from Everton, but has not fared so well under new manager Julian Nagelsmann, who has hardly played him this season.
The 22-year-old, who began his career at Charlton Athletic, wanted to move to the Bundesliga after also becoming frustrated at the lack of regular first-team football at Everton and Lepizig liked what they saw of him on loan.
He signed permanently in the summer for £22 million and the German club will not want to lose money on that transfer if they are going to allow him to return to England. Whether Newcastle are willing to accept a purchase clause at that price remains to be seen and they are understood to be trying to ensure the initial loan fee is knocked off the asking price.
It sounds like we’re in a strong position to get this one ‘over the line’, however the last few lines are of slight concern, suggesting Leipzig would want to get their £22m back should they allow him to leave on a permanent transfer this summer.
Edwards states that we’re looking to get any loan fee knocked off the asking price, but it remains to be seen if Mike Ashley and co. would sanction a potential £20m-plus spend on another talented but unproven forward.
Nobody he has played for seems to rate him. The article says he is “unproven” and yet they are talking about a fee of approx. £20m.
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