Journalist: 'Phenomenal' Newcastle target now staying put after release clause expires

After weeks of being linked with a move for Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy it seems Newcastle United have waited too long and have missed their chance.

It had been heavily suggested by several outlets that Newcastle were one of several clubs monitoring Serhou Guirassy with a view to activating his £15million release clause.

The Guinea striker got off to a flying start this season beating the Bundesliga record for most goals scored in the opening games of the season previously set by Robert Lewandowski. Only Harry Kane has scored more in the Bundesliga this season.

Serhou Guirassy's release clause has now expired

Now away at the African Cup of Nations it seems that Newcastle, and the other interested parties have missed their opportunity of picking him up on the cheap according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The clause that would have allowed clubs to sign Guirassy for around £15million has expired with the striker seemingly affirming his desire to stay at Stuttgart.

If anyone is still interested in the 'phenomenal' 27-year-old now then they will have to put up some serious money to tempt both Stuttgart and Guirassy.

We'll never know if Newcastle were even genuinely interested in Guirassy

How concrete Newcastle's interest was is anyone's guess at this point. Nobody can predict what's going on behind closed doors at St James' Park this January.

A third striker would definitely have been a priority for most fans, but right now, given the fact that Joelinton is potentially set to miss the rest of the season, a new midfielder has probably jumped to the top of everyone's list.

If only we'd been looking at one for the last six months, maybe one we could get on loan. Perhaps even someone familiar with the Premier League and maybe with international experience. Preferably English. Perhaps someone who maybe isn't getting into this first-team where he is and is looking to move. Shame there's nobody around who fits that bill.