Newcastle United considering summer move for 27-year-old Ballon d'Or nominee after public rift with manager

Newcastle United continue to build up their long list of potential striker targets ahead of what's expected to be a busy summer in the transfer market.

While the future of Callum Wilson is far from resolved, the former England striker's contract with Newcastle is due to expire in the summer, and as things stand, a new one doesn't seem to be on the table, but a good end to the season for the number nine could see that change.

Regardless of what happens with Wilson, though, we expect that Eddie Howe will bring in another striker to support Alexander Isak alongside Will Osula.

What we aren't sure of is what level of player we go for. Jonathan David would be an amazing coup and is available on a free this summer, but he will be highly sought after and could be offered a definite starting role at many clubs that Newcastle likely can't promise.

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Newcastle United have Ademola Lookman back in their sights

Newcastle don't want to be in the same situation as last summer, though, where they brought in Will Osula who clearly wasn't ready for first-team action. If we can't tempt a big name like Jonathan David, we need someone somewhere in the middle.

TeamTalk reports that Newcastle are once again looking at a player they've had on their radar for a while. Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, may be looking for a route out of the Bergamo club after a public rift with the manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, who labelled him "one of the worst penalty-takers" after he missed a spot-kick against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Lookman fought back on social media, releasing this statement:

“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo”

Newcastle and Man United could duel it out for Ademola Lookman this summer

Lookman has continued to deliver for Atlanta after this falling out and has 49 goals in 107 outings for the Italian outfit. Form which saw him nominated for the Ballon d'Or last year.

Ademola Lookman clearly sits at the top end of that middle ground we mentioned. Average players don't get Ballon d'Or nods. However, with the falling out with Gasperini, he may be looking for a way out, and after spells in the Premier League with Everton, Fulham and Leicester, he may be looking for a return home to take care of unfinished business.

TeamTalk believes that Newcastle and Manchester United could duke it out for his signature in the summer and we're in no way opposed to that idea.