Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Newcastle 'explored' Dusan Vlahovic transfer but have moved on to three realistic targets
NEWCASTLE are on the hunt for new signings this month as they look to stave off relegation.
Striker Wood joins Newcastle
Newcastle apparently looked into the possibility of signing superstar striker Dusan Vlahovic this month, but ultimately decided to chase more realistic targets. The Magpies are desperately trying to bolster their squad this month as they look to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Newcastle suffered a dismal start to the season as they failed to win a single match under previous boss Steve Bruce.
The club was bought by a Saudi-led consortium in the autumn and the former Manchester United defender was soon given his marching orders.
Eddie Howe took over from Bruce in November with the task of keeping the club in the Premier League.
He drew two of his first three games in charge and then guided the north east side to their first win of the season as they dispatched Burnley 1-0 at the start of December.
Heavy defeats to Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City followed, with Newcastle appearing to be staring over the precipice.
JUST IN: Ronaldo has already explained how long he'll be at Man Utd for
But Howe’s team are now unbeaten in three top-flight matches and were given a huge psychological boost on Saturday as they earned their second victory of the season by defeating Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road.
Despite that win, the Magpies still find themselves in the relegation zone and face a huge battle to retain their status among the elite.
Howe managed to persuade right-back Kieran Tripper and striker Chris Wood to join the club earlier this month.
And, according to The Times, Newcastle explored a move for Vlahovic, who has been in stellar form in Serie A this campaign.
DON'T MISSFernandes sends message over Man Utd career as Glazers face battle
Tottenham make demand to PSG with Ndombele's agent 'in contact'
Man Utd 'row' expected over Edinson Cavani after West Ham victory
But they decided to focus their attentions on more attainable options, including Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata and Reims’ Hugo Ekitike.
Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, with the Gunners reportedly tabling a mega-money bid.
Manchester City and Tottenham are also said to be interested in the player, while a whole host of giants in Europe’s other top leagues have also been circling.
The 21-year-old could therefore have the pick of top clubs - so a move to Newcastle appears extremely unlikely even if the Magpies resume their pursuit before the transfer window slams shut next Monday.
Vlahovic missed Fiorentina’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Sunday through injury but has been prolific since the start of the campaign.
He has found the back of the net a staggering 17 times in 21 Serie A matches and has also notched three times in the Coppa Italia.
His current deal in Florence is set to expire at the end of next season – but the club could decide to cash in well before then to ensure they get top money for their prized asset.