Newcastle United are hoping to make Chelsea’s USA star Christian Pulisic their next statement signing.
Pulisic’s game time at Stamford Bridge has been restricted under new boss Graham Potter and having been in the spotlight during the World Cup the 24-year-old doesn’t want to return to the shadows. Manchester United and Arsenal are monitoring the situation but would prefer to bring in Pulisic on loan.
Chelsea would prefer to sell and the asking price would probably start at around £40million. Although Newcastle, riding high under Eddie Howe, are prepared to bid they would hope to knock down the fee. Their January transfer window priority is a wide running player with Leeds United’s Jack Harrison and Brighton's Leandro Trossard still options.
But the early indications are that Pulisic could be persuaded to move north, especially with the promise of regular first team football.
Pulisic enjoyed a strong World Cup, playing a key role in the US side that reached the knockout stages.
The former Borussia Dortmund man created their opening goal in the tournament against Wales, almost notched the winner against England and scored the crucial goal agains Iran that booked their place in the last 16. It showed that when fit and in a rhythm he can be a major attacking force, but that's something that's been seen too infrequently at during his time in west London.
With Newcastle up fighting for Champions League places, Howe is keen to strengthen and his board will provide backing as they look to make a splash in their first full season at the helm.
They currently sit third in the Premier League, having lost only once in 15 games thus far and boasting the division's joint-best defence. They've drawn six games however - only Brentford have drawn more - and know that having that little extra goal threat could make all the difference come the end of the campaign.
If they can't land the American, then Harrison and Trossard will both come under consideration. Harrison is a long-time target while sporting director Dan Ashworth knows all about Trossard from his time at Brighton, and is a big admirer.
If the Toon do manage to land a wide man they could be prepared to sell former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser.
