Newcastle showing 'strong interest' in signing Cameroon star - Report

If Eddie Howe wants to keep his Newcastle United squad competitive and fighting in all four competitions, then we’re going to need some quality reinforcements in the ongoing January transfer window.

Already decimated by injuries to the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, with other key defenders only just returning to fitness, depth in the back line will be paramount.

But bringing in extra attackers could also be of concern to Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson: besides Nick Woltemade, and only very recently Harvey Barnes, our forwards’ output has left a lot to be desired this campaign.

So it’s exciting to hear a new report linking us to one of the stars of this year’s AFCON tournament, and a player we’ve previously been linked with. This time around however, we may face even tougher competition for his signature…

AFCON star eyed up by Newcastle

According to reports in Africa, Newcastle have reignited their interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen talent Christian Kofane, having previously targeted the youngster this past summer.

This comes from Africa Foot, who claim that Newcastle have expressed 'strong interest' in the striker, although we aren't the only ones in the mix, with Man Utd and Real Madrid also big admirers.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a positive campaign with his country at the African Cup of Nations, having netted the decisive goal (his second of the tournament) to knock out South Africa in the last 16.

But things have been more of a mixed bag at club level: he has played less than 50% of his possible minutes for the former Bundesliga champions, but has still managed five goals and five assists across 23 outings in all competitions.

Having only just moved to Germany this past summer from Spanish side Albacete, Kofane is under contract until 2029 and many anticipate the Cameroonian’s market value to surge upwards once he gets more minutes under his belt.

Big rivals for Kofane signature

Unfortunately, we’ll face some stiff competition both this window and in the future if we want to sign Kofane, with Man Utd and Real Madrid thought to be keen.

There’s the obvious connection with compatriot Bryan Mbeumo should he move to Old Trafford, whilst Real Madrid can afford wages that we simply cannot compete with. You only have to look back at the Dean Huijsen saga back in the summer to gauge the idea that entering a bidding war against Los Blancos is something we have no intention of doing at this time.

However, for a 19-year-old eager to develop at the highest level, Newcastle could offer him a route into the Premier League, a chance to work under Eddie Howe and potentially replace Will Osula if the Dane is to depart this year.

We need to look towards getting a long term replacement for Yoane Wissa sooner rather than later, or at the very least until Sean Neave is ready to become one of our starting attackers, with Osula's future in doubt and questions remaining around Nick Woltemade's ability to play as a lone No 9.