Steve Bruce has approved a move for Newcastle United to sign Hoffenheim striker Joelinton, according to the Northern Echo.
The newspaper claim that Bruce is set to be appointed the Magpies’ new boss in the next 48 hours and his first move will be to sanction an offer for the 22-year-old Brazilian.
The Northern Echo report that Bruce will be revealed at St James’ Park after the finer details of his deal are finalised.
Joelinton would become Newcastle’s record signing should he move to the North East, with the Daily Mail reporting that Mike Ashley has set aside £36million for his signature.
OPINION
Something that everyone could agree on at Newcastle is that the club are desperate for attacking options next season. Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto are the club’s only two recognised forwards after Joselu’s recent departure. Even those two options aren’t good enough for the Premier League – Gayle spent last season in the Championship, whereas Muto only managed to score once in 17 top-flight appearances. With Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez scoring over 50% of Newcastle’s goals last season, replacements are desperately needed. At 22-years-old, Joelinton could definitely be that player, being involved in a goal in every two games during his 30 appearances last season. Bruce seems keen to seal a deal for the Brazilian, who would be good value for money at £36million. Joelinton performed at a much higher level than Muto last season, averaging more than four times the amount of shots per game, as well as winning almost winning four times the amount of aerial battles [WhoScored]. Bruce isn’t exactly the most favoured potential appointment in the North East, but his reign would get off to a better start should he complete this deal.
