Newcastle United will listen to offers for Adam Armstrong this summer despite his excellent form while out on loan in the second half of the season, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim manager Rafael Benitez can’t guarantee Armstrong a place in his team and is set to sell him in order to raise funds to buy a proven centre-forward.
The Chronicle report that the academy product would “love” to stay but an exit now looks likely, with Blackburn Rovers possibly to be offered first refusal for the player after his impressive loan stint.
OPINION
Selling academy products is never a popular move with fans, especially ones who have long been tipped to make the breakthrough as a first-team regular. But Armstrong is a level or two below that needed for a Premier League player, lacking the subtlety to tear top-level defences to shreds. Nevertheless, he has many qualities and can make a huge impact for a Championship or League One side lucky enough to have him in their ranks next season. Armstrong was excellent for Blackburn in a left-flank role after joining in January, scoring nine goals in 21 matches, and was key to the club securing automatic promotion. Manager Tony Mowbray made it clear he would love to sign the 21-year-old permanently, although it remains to be seen whether the Championship outfit can afford him. With his mobility, directness and low centre of gravity (Armstrong is 5ft 7in according to Transfermarkt), Armstrong can be a major asset for a Football League club in 2018-19.
