According to Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle have been given the chance the sign Nikola Kalinic this month.
What’s the word?
The striker has had a tough few months since his controversial departure from the Croatia squad in the 2018 World Cup, as he has failed to find goalscoring form ever since.
That led Atletico Madrid to loan him out to Roma this season, but after six appearances and no goals, he is set to return to Spain, with the club now offering him to the Magpies.
Newcastle are reportedly interested in the 31-year-old, with the wait now to see whether Kalinic is keen on a move back to the Premier League, having played for Blackburn between 2009-2011.
He has turned down moves to Genoa and Verona which indicates he is keen to move away from Italy, and that could enhance Steve Bruce’s chances of signing him.
Big gamble
Kalinic earned a move to Atletico Madrid in a £13.5m deal after producing nine goal contributions for Milan in 31 appearances in 2017/18, but he has often been a backup option in Spain.
His return of four goals in 24 outings the following campaign explains why he is now out of favour under Diego Simeone, but it should also act as a warning sign to Newcastle.
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Bruce’s side is in desperate need of a goalscoring striker after netting just 20 goals in 21 league matches, with big-money signing Joelinton falling way below the standard required with one strike this term.
Worse still, no forward in the squad has scored more than once this season and that means they are in need of a striker with a proven track record in front of goal – preferably a player currently high on confidence.
Now rated at £7.65m, there is nothing to suggest Kalinic would provide what they need as he hasn’t scored since December 2018. His last spell in England was also a bit of a disaster with 13 goals in 53 games, though that was some time ago.
In other transfer news, there has been a setback via the injury to Jack Colback, which means he will be unable to leave the club on loan this month.
