According to a recent report from Daily Star, Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has held a few video call meetings with his club’s transfer team and Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard has emerged as the prime transfer target. The club are also keeping track of Alfredo Morelos from Rangers, but the Magpies have zeroed in on Edouard for next season.
The French forward has been in terrific form for the Scottish giants this campaign as he has scored 27 goals along with setting up 19 assists for his teammates. It is believed that Celtic would struggle to turn down a bid in excess of £30m. Edouard has his contract at Celtic Park until 2022.
Why Newcastle desperately need a striker?
It is no surprise that Bruce is having meetings with club officials and is looking for a new striker. The Toon are currently not in the relegation battle, but they have struggled to score goals freely. Bruce’s men have managed just 25 goals this season in the Premier League which is the joint-worst in the entire league.
Joelinton has failed to get going. Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll have struggled with injuries, and Yoshinori Muto has barely managed to get in the matchday squad this season. All the strikers combined have managed one goal between them. Hence, solving this area is going to be imperative for the club in the next transfer window.
What will Edouard bring to the table?
Edouard seems to be a complete striker as he has everything to his game. He has been linked with some heavyweights of English football as well. The Frenchman has the strength and physicality to cope with the aggressive nature of the Premier League. The striker is also capable of going on marauding runs, and his dribbling skills can take defenders by surprise as he showcases quick feet in tight situations. He can come up short to link up play or make runs between the channels.
The 22-year-old is a goal poacher as well as a goal creator as he sets up quite a few goals for his teammates. That is why he has 19 assists this season. All in all, he seems to have everything to his game which a forward needs. Given his age, he is yet to hit his peak. Hence, the Toon should look to get the deal done for the French striker in the upcoming transfer window.
However, some top clubs are also after him so that is something which can go against the Magpies. At St. James’ Park though, Edouard will probably get a much quicker path to establish himself in the first team, and that might go in Newcastle United’s favour.
