Callum Hudson-Odoi should be Newcastle United's top target if they are only able to agree a deal for one player from Chelsea this summer. That is the view of Lee Clark, who believes the young winger 'ticks all the boxes' to thrive under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies have so far been frustrated in their efforts to reinforce their frontline this summer, having secured three signings earlier in the window. Howe's side have made an unbeaten start to the season, but remain light on options in attack should Callum Wilson suffer another injury-hit campaign.
The Premier League loan market is one Newcastle are expected to explore with the window set to close in a fortnight. United have been credited with an interest in Chelsea quartet Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Hudson-Odoi as well as Christian Pulisic, with Thomas Tuchel likely to trim his squad before the deadline.
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Newcastle will only be able to loan one player from the Blues, and Clark feels it will inevitably depend on the club's success in landing targets elsewhere. However, the former midfielder believes Hudson-Odoi needs to be the top target due to the Magpies' need to strengthen out wide and in the final third.
Clark told ChronicleLive: "For me, I know [Jonjo] Shelvey is out for a long time but I think the midfield we have there can get us through until he comes back. I know Eddie has said if there's an issue there, he might have to go into the market for a central midfielder but I'm still saying the priorities are another wide man and a striker.
"I would say Hudson-Odoi because he ticks a lot of the boxes that Eddie likes in his wide players. He's direct, he's got electric pace, he's good in one-on-one situations in terms of beating players. He can probably get his stats up in terms of the amount of goals he scores, but I think he just needs a run of games.
"Knowing the type of wingers Eddie does like and what he's had in previous times, he does like a lot of pace in the wide areas. Hudson-Odoi is wanting to move, and they've talked about letting him go on loan, that would be the one."
Leicester and Southampton have also been linked with a loan move for Hudson-Odoi, who has entered the final two years of his contract at Stamford Bridge. A temporary switch away from Chelsea appears likely for the England international.
Reports suggest Newcastle remain in talks for Gallagher, with outlets claiming discussions have taken place over a potential permanent deal for the 22-year-old. Clark is confident the Magpies are well-stocked in midfield for the coming months, but would welcome the former Crystal Palace loanee should United agree deals elsewhere for two attackers.
Clark added: "The other players are very good and I like Gallagher a lot. It depends if Eddie knows he can get another winger from somewhere else and a striker from somewhere, why not bring in Gallagher? He's proven himself, whenever he's been out on loan he's been outstanding.
"I like him a lot, and if there is a possibility of bringing him in permanently, I wouldn't turn my nose up at that one either. He's a young player who seems to be getting better and better."
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