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Newcastle United are in talks with Porto over striker

Newcastle United’s desperation for a striker have led them to Porto’s doorstep.

SL Benfica v FC Porto - Portoguese Cup Final Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Newcastle United is in desperate need of a striker. With Dwight Gayle expected to miss time, the club only has Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto, and Joelinton to rely on for goals in the upcoming Premier League season, which will only spell disaster for the club seeking to avoid a relegation battle.

The club have also lost goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to an injury that will see him sidelined for several weeks, handing the job over to Karl Darlow for the time being. The beginning of the season is not looking bright for the magpies as we inch ever closer to the Premier League season, but here we are.

Now the club are looking to sign a striker from Portuguese champions Porto FC, 29 year old Moussa Marega who despite having a 30 million Euro release clause is said to be available for two-thirds of that. Marega scored 13 goals for Porto last campaign. His best season for the club came in 2017/2018 when he scored 22 goals in the league alone.

Newcastle is also looking at Rhian Brewster from Liverpool on loan.

Bryan’s Take:

I would take Rhian Brewster on loan over Moussa Marega on a permanent deal. I don’t like aligning myself with Newcastle United’s previous policy of not spending much on players over the age of 25, and Marega’s experience would be extremely beneficial, but if the club can help it, I would like to see Rhian Brewster with Newcastle United on loan.

As I said, that’s not to downplay what Moussa Marega could bring the club. The Mali international is a proven goal scorer, and with Newcastle United’s current midfield I think he could actually make use of Allan Saint-Maximin’s creativity.

The most important thing right now is that Newcastle United not hesitating to pull the trigger on a deal. While the transfer window is open for an extended period (until October) the club is in no position to really take a wait-and-see approach.