By SIMON JONES and GETHIN HICKS, TRAINEE REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
Newcastle United are expected to test Wolves‘ resolve to keep Jorgen Strand Larsen with a third bid worth £60million.
After missing out on prime target Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United earlier in the window, the Magpies this week turned their attention to the Wolves’ No 9.
They had an initial bid of £50m for Strand Larsen rejected before returning with an offer of £55m on Tuesday, which was too turned down by the Midlands club.
The 25-year-old, who signed for £23m from Celta Vigo, is thought to be keen on a move to Tyneside and, with Eddie Howe and recruitment staff said to be big admirers, has moved to the top of the Magpies’ shortlist.
Wolves’ valuation of the Norwegian striker remains to be seen.
But it seems Vitor Pereira’s side may be preparing for life without their current forward, as Wolves made an enquiry on Wednesday for Genk striker Tolu Arokodare.
Newcastle United are expected to return with a third bid for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen
The Norwegian forward is believed to be keen on a move to Tyneside
The Nigerian attacker enjoyed a fruitful season last term in the Belgian league, netting 17 goals in 30 appearances, also registering six assists.
Meanwhile Newcastle, who are evidently keen not to lose any players before next week’s deadline, have rejected a proposal from Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen for Sven Botman.
The Dutch centre-back is yet to feature for Eddie Howe’s side this season after picking up an injury in pre-season, but is thought to remain firmly in his manager’s plans for the future.
The Magpies could however lose youngster Trevan Sanusi, who is wanted on loan by French sides Le Havre and Auxerre.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are continuing their pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Talks were held once again on Tuesday, but there is a frustration from the hierarchy in Tyneside that the move has been stuck for some three weeks.
Sources believe progress is still possible before the weekend as the Bees consider alternatives, including Dortmund’s Max Beier.
Newcastle’s continued pursuit of both Strand-Larsen and Wissa will give Liverpool hope of a renewed approach for Alexander Isak, who remains on strike and refusing to train or play for the Magpies.
The Magpies are also continuing their pursuit of Brentford’a Yoane Wissa
It remains to be seen whether the on-strike Alexander Isak will leave or stay at Newcastle this summer
Daily Mail Sport revealed on Monday that secret talks had taken place after co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation visited the striker’s Northumberland home in the hours before the Liverpool game.
However, their attempts to persuade Isak to return to Howe’s squad were thought to be met with continued resistance by the Swede, who is determined to force a move to Anfield.
Whether the Newcastle talesman will leave before the September 1 deadline remains to be seen.
