Anan Khalaili watched by Newcastle as winger search continues - The Athletic

Newcastle United's big priority right now is finding new options to add to their attack down the flanks.

The Magpies have already seen one potential target slip from their grasp as young winger Zadok Yohanna opted to join Brighton and Hove Albion.

Newcastle were a bit too late to the party on that one, as Brighton had already agreed terms with the 18-year-old before Newcastle got involved.

Victor Munoz of Osasuna is being heavily touted as Newcastle's first-choice to replace Gordon, but it's likely that Ross Wilson will look to recruit more than one winger this summer. Wingers for both sides of the pitch are being looked at, not just replacements for the left-sided Gordon.

Newcastle looking to add more options down both flanks

Following the pursuit of Zadok Yohanna, The Athletic reveal that Newcastle have also been watching Union Saint-Gilloise's Israeli winger, Anan Khalaili.

The 21-year-old is a predominantly right-sided forward, which suggests Newcastle's winger search won't stop at finding a Gordon replacement down the left.

After the poor performances of both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga last season, it's no real surprise that Newcastle is looking for more options.

Khalaili is already a full Israel international and has had a decent season in the Jupiler Pro League with USG, although he saved his best for the Champions' Play-Offs, scoring once and providing four assists in 10 appearances as USG missed out on the title to Club Brugge.

This isn't the first time he's been linked with a possible move to St James' Park, as Craig Hope revealed our interest in the tall wide man earlier this year, with Steve Nickson thought to be a fan. 

Is Newcastle replacing Jacob Murphy?

Newcastle have also been keeping tabs on Köln’s Said El Mala and Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure, according to Chris Waugh, as their winger hunt continues.

We're excited and encouraged to see that right-sided forwards are being looked at. It was reported that Jacob Murphy could be sold this summer, and it looks like Newcastle is preparing for this eventuality.

While there have been reports of Anthony Elanga potentially leaving, we expect that Eddie Howe will be pushing to give him another chance after a testing first season. Although Elanga doesn't have the same excuse of no pre-season as Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, as he was Howe's first signing last year.