Although reports remain unconfirmed at this stage, Newcastle United look set to miss out on Hertha Berlin striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga. Despite keen interest from Tyneside, the 22 year old appears almost certain to sign for Hamburg in the coming days.
The news will come as a blow to the Magpies, who were believed to be readying a £9 million offer for the German that racked up thirteen strikes in eighteen appearances on loan at the Imtech Arena last season. With Luuk de Jong and Loic Remy’s loans expiring and Shola Ameobi’s release, Alan Pardew is in desperate need of striking reinforcements.
However, Lasogga was by no means the only target on Newcastle’s shortlist. As is to be expected now, the Magpies have been linked with a number of Ligue 1 stars to add to their already sizable French contingent.
The World Cup may have halted the club’s transfer progress but the competition has showcased a variety of attacking talents. Rather than look to France, Pardew could be keeping a keen eye on the performances of certain strikers in Brazil.
Bearing this in mind, here are SIX World Cup alternatives to Pierre-Michel Lasogga for Newcastle to consider this summer.
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JOEL CAMPBELL
A link that emerged prior to the World Cup, Newcastle may find it difficult to convince Arsenal to do business over Campbell now. The Costa Rican forward has been hugely impressive in his nation’s unexpected run to the Quarter Finals and may have just forced his way into Arsene Wenger’s reckoning for next season.
The 22 year old netted this brilliant leveller against Uruguay in the opening group fixture.
Capable of playing centrally or on either flank, the forward would provide a versatile addition to Newcastle’s attacking options. A loan at this stage would be likelier but this hasn’t stopped some Magpies fans on Twitter urging Mike Ashley and Pardew to act.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
A proven Premier League marksman, Hernandez unfortunately finds himself by Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney in the pecking order at Old Trafford. The 26 year old was limited to just six league starts this season and lost his place in the Mexican side to Oribe Peralta.
After years in a bit-part role, now may finally be the time for Hernandez to leave the Red Devils. With such pedigree in England’s top-flight, Pardew would be foolish not to even contemplate a move for the 26 year old.
The Mexican’s talents should be well known to the Newcastle manager by now, with the 26 year old netting against the Magpies on several occasions.
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ENNER VALENCIA
The least famous Valencia to play for Ecuador this summer, the striker has certainly had a year to remember. The 25 year old netted eighteen times in twenty three appearances for Pachuca this season and followed these exploits with three strikes at the World Cup.
The striker’s form has inevitably drawn links with the Premier League, with the likes of Newcastle, Everton and West Ham reportedly keen. The 25 year old certainly looked the part for his country this summer.
However, concerns remain about his ability to replicate these performances on a consistent basis in England’s top flight.
ISLAM SLIMANI
Like Valencia, Slimani is another name to be linked to St James’ Park off of the back of a series of impressive performances this summer. The Algerian striker netted twice in the group stages and posed a constant threat to Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker in the narrow knockout defeat to Germany.
For approximately £6 million, Newcastle could reportedly acquire Slimani’s services from Sporting Lisbon ahead of the likes of Stoke City and West Ham. The striker netted eight times in just ten starts in Portugal and could prove an attractive budget option for Ashley and Pardew to consider.
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VICTOR IBARBO
Dubbed the “new Faustino Asprilla”, Ibarbo was inevitably going to be linked with a move to Tyneside at some point in his career. The 24 year old has hardly featured for Colombia so far this summer.
Entering the last year of his contract with Cagliari, Ibarbo is believed to be available for around £8 million this summer. A wide forward, the 24 year old only netted four times in Serie A this season but that hasn’t stopped rumours linking the Colombian with the likes of Juventus and AC Milan.
For those looking to find out a little bit more about Ibarbo, check out the video below.
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LOIC REMY
Well, Newcastle fans can dream right?
The prospect of Remy signing for the Magpies on a permanent basis this summer looks very slim with the latest rumours suggesting Arsenal and Tottenham are battling for the forward’s signature. Newcastle’s attack was all too reliant on the Frenchman this season, with the 27 year old netting fourteen times in the league.
The Magpies would have to pay a minimum of £10 million to land Remy, but it seems as if the forward has his heart set on playing European football next season.
Like Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye, all Newcastle fans can do now is remember the good times…
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