Newcastle United have joined the race to sign striker David Okerke from Italian side Spezia this summer, according to a report from The Sun.
The outlet report that Newcastle are plotting a bid to sign the 21-year-old, who has had an impressive season with Spezia in Serie B scoring ten goals and registering a further 12 assists for the Italian side.
Newcastle though could reportedly face competition for Okerke, who is thought to have a valuation of at least £8million by Spezia, with fellow Premier League side Wolves also interested, as well as Inter Milan who want to offer the forward an opportunity to play in Serie A next season, if his current club miss out on promotion.
OPINION
It is going to be a very interesting summer for Newcastle, with the future of Rafa Benitez still unclear. The Spaniard is wanting the club to assure him he will have funds available to strengthen his squad, before he decides to commit his future. Newcastle are likely to be in the market for a new striker during the transfer window, with Salomon Rondon heading back to his parent club West Bromwich Albion after spending the season on loan at St James’ Park. The Magpies are thought to be wanting to re-sign Rondon, but if they miss out on making his move permanent then the option of signing Okerke could be a decent alternative. The 21-year-old has impressed in the Italian second division this season, and looks ready to take the next step in his career and play regular top flight football. Okerke though is attracting interest from other clubs so Newcastle would probably have to act swiftly to secure a move for the promising attacker. Whatever happens with Benitez’s future it is vital that the Magpies do invest in their squad this summer, and a striker looks like being one of the areas that they will be needing to prioritise in the window.
