Newcastle to consider €12.5m Monaco forward following Paul Mitchell's arrival?

With Paul Mitchell appointed as our new sporting director and the bulk of our summer activity set to take place over the next six to seven weeks, I'm expecting things to pick up soon.

One priority position is up front, where Callum Wilson - 32 and out of contract next year - is likely to be replaced if a suitable option becomes available on the market.

Finding the right fit isn't easy, especially when any incoming forward will be competing with star man Alexander Isak, but another Ligue 1 striker who could be one to watch alongside Lille Jonathan David is Swiss international Breel Embolo.

It's not a given that Newcastle target former Mitchell signings now the 42-year-old has arrived as our new sporting director, but our new transfer expert played a key role in bringing him to Monaco in July 2022 before he scored 14 times in his first season with the Ligue 1 side.

Speaking about Embolo's arrival at the time, Mitchell said: “We are very happy to welcome Breel to AS Monaco. His profile complements our already strong attacking options and adds more depth to the squad for the upcoming matches. At 25, Breel has won titles and been challenges within the structure of the Champions League. Moreover, his presence in the national team and his participation in a World Cup and a European Championships give him an experience of performing in the big events that will be precious for us. Arriving now in his peak years, we welcome him!”

Two years later, he's recently recovered from an ACL injury and featured alongside Fabian Schar at Euro 2024, scoring in their group stage win over Hungary and against England in the quarter-finals before the Swiss were knocked out on penalties.

He's 27 - five years younger than Wilson - and a mobile striker with a 6ft 2' frame and plenty of experience, making 68 appearances for his country and playing 47 times in Europa cross the Champions League or Europa League.

Any Callum Wilson replacement is highly unlikely to be a big-money signing, not just for financial reasons but also the squad dynamic, so I wouldn't be surprised if Embolo is considered by the man who brought him to Monaco for €12.5m two years ago.