Sky Sports: NUFC set to make move for £22m forward - Loan deal with 'option to buy'

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are set to make a loan bid for RB Leipzig forward Ademola Lookman.

News of our interest in the 22-year-old initially came from Sky Germany last night, however north-east correspondent Keith Downie has now confirmed that we're set to make a move for the former Everton winger.

Lookman, who completed a £22m transfer to the Bundesliga last summer, has fallen out of favour under current Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, and Sky Germany claim he's now looking to leave this month after appearing just 4 times in all competitions this season.

With this in mind, it looks like we're ready to offer him an escape route, with Sky Sports claiming we'll make a 'real push' to sign him on loan - and hope to strike a deal that includes an 'option to buy' him on a permanent deal this summer should he impress.

The England U21 international is a versatile forward, being able to play up front or down either flank, and has bagged 5 goals and 4 assists for Leipzig - with those coming during his successful loan stint in 2018.

He's a talented young player, he has pace, is versatile and could give us another useful option in attack - although he is far from proven at Premier League level and would be another risk in terms of his ability to deliver the goods in a potential battle.

That said, Downie has since stated on Twitter that we'd be looking at signing a striker as well as Lookman. Here's hoping!