Forget Bowen: The right-winger Newcastle could sign instead this summer

Today we've seen a report claiming that Jarrod Bowen is Newcastle's 'top target' this summer in our search for a new right-winger.

Don't get me wrong, Bowen is a guaranteed goal-getter, Premier League proven and a great fit for the here and now at Newcastle United, but I'm not convinced he'll sign for a few reasons. He turns 28 later this year, he'd cost huge money, his partner (Dani Dyer) is very much rooted to London and I believe Newcastle are more likely to recruit a younger, more cost-effective option with the potential to be just as good.

This brings me to Bryan Mbeumo. We've not seen many links to the Brentford winger, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing as the sudden signings of Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali show we often do our best business under the radar.

One doubt with Mbeumo is questions around Brentford selling him AND star striker Ivan Toney in the same window, but he's three years younger than Bowen, offers Premier League experience (and versatility) Eddie Howe often craves and, in my view, has the potential to get even better after a few impressive seasons under Thomas Frank.

The 24-year-old can huge the touchline and burst past his man - as we saw when he gave Lewis Hall a tough time in our final game of the 2023/24 season - but has also scored several goals by making intelligent runs infield, either stretching defences with darting runs in behind or arriving at the back post.

He's also shown his versatility by stepping into a centre-forward role in Ivan Toney's absence (when suspended for gambling), he can take set pieces - highlighting his sound technique - he's got a strong, stocky frame that makes him tough to push off the ball and his output is impressive with 43 goals/assists in 98 Premier League appearances.

Despite the odd injury last term, he delivered nine goals and six assists in 25 league outings. In a more attacking side, with greater quality around him and Howe's coaching, I feel he could take his game to a new level at Newcastle United.

Time will tell if we make a move or feel there's an opportunity to sign the French-born Cameroonian at a decent price, but he feels like one to watch and a far more realistic signing that Jarrod Bowen.