Newcastle United Scouting Wolves Star as Transfer Fee Dropped to £40m
Newcastle United's Recruitment Focus
Newcastle United's head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, was present at Molineux on Saturday afternoon as the Magpies continued to evaluate potential signings during the January transfer window. The match saw Wolves secure a 3-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League, with Nickson observing from the stands. As a key figure in talent scouting, Nickson has played a significant role in identifying players who align with Eddie Howe’s vision for the club.
Transfer Strategy and Flexibility
The club has been exploring various options in the transfer market, with initial discussions focusing on securing new defenders. However, there is also room for flexibility in these plans. The term "opportunistic" has been used by both Eddie Howe and Ross Wilson, indicating that the club is open to any viable opportunities that may arise.
Newcastle had previously shown interest in Jorgen Strand Larsen during the summer window, making a bid of up to £55 million for the Norwegian international. Despite this, the deal did not materialize, and the club eventually signed Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69 million. Meanwhile, Strand Larsen remained at Wolves, scoring just three goals this season, with relegation looking increasingly likely for the club under Rob Edwards' management.
Potential Targets and Youth Talent
Strand Larsen has been linked with several clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Everton, and West Ham, with a reported £40 million fee being discussed. It remains unclear whether Nickson was specifically evaluating the striker, as he only came off the bench in the match against West Ham. Another name that has reportedly caught the attention of Newcastle is 18-year-old Wolves youngster Mateus Mane, who scored a third goal for the home side and has been drawing interest from other clubs.
Nickson's exact role during the match was not fully clear, but Eddie Howe acknowledged on Friday that he was unsure whether the club would make additions in the winter window. With several injuries affecting the backline, Newcastle is also keen to strengthen their defensive options.
Scouting and Financial Considerations
Ross Wilson, the sporting director, emphasized that scouting work is an ongoing process, with the team constantly analyzing potential targets. He noted that while the club could spend in January, it is unlikely to do so in the same manner as the summer window due to various factors.
Wilson stated:
"We can spend in January if we want to. Of course, we’ll be creative and opportunistic. But the most important thing is that it would have to align with what the summer plan looks like, which is the bigger squad plan."
Eddie Howe was also asked about the possibility of a marquee signing in January. He responded by saying:
"I don't think it's the desire in this month for various reasons. Any signing we make will restrict our ability to do business in the summer, so we have to be careful with our decisions."
Future of Jorgen Strand Larsen
Strand Larsen joined Wolves permanently from Celta Vigo in the summer for £23 million. Some considered the fee too high at £55 million, but with Wolves’ potential relegation, a reduced price could become more feasible. When asked about his future, Rob Edwards said:
"We will make the right call on every individual. Only time will tell. It will be a club decision, and I am sure there will be movement in and out because we want to make an impact in the month."
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