Former Newcastle United target puts in star performance in Europa League final

Newcastle United will be rueing their missed opportunity to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman after he bagged a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin last night.

The former Everton and Leicester star became only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final to send the Italian club on their way to a first-ever major European trophy.

While the achievement is magnificent for the 26-year-old, things could've been a lot different if he decided to take a career opportunity.

Image: Getty

Newcastle were in for Lookman in 2020

While under the management of Steve Bruce, Lookman was a target for his side. There were preliminary discussions regarding a loan move.

Things even went as far as Keith Downie reporting that the Magpies had made a loan offer with an option to buy for £22million from RB Leipzig in January 2020.

The winger wanted to leave, but it wouldn't be to Newcastle.

Lookman ended up rejecting the Magpies and signed for Fulham on loan in summer 2020 before joining Leicester on loan in 2021.

Newcastle target Ederson with a top performance in Europe

Newcastle have been linked with one of Lookman's teammates, Ederson. The 24-year-old was another standout player in last night's Europa League final.

The Brazilian has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Newcastle.

After his performance last night, his valuation could skyrocket.