Newcastle make move to sign £22m Sunderland target after missing out on Hugo Ekitike, he wants Premier League switch

Newcastle are experiencing a frustrating summer transfer window.

Eddie Howe wanted Joao Pedro before Chelsea reached a £60m agreement with Brighton – Newcastle are keen on attacking reinforcements after releasing Callum Wilson.

Newcastle then turned attention towards Hugo Ekitike, only for Liverpool to swoop in and shake hands with Eintracht Frankfurt on a £79m fee for the Frenchman.

The Magpies could also lose Alexander Isak as Liverpool and Saudi Pro League sides show interest.

However, some good news could be on the horizon for Newcastle fans, as an approach has now been made for Sunderland target Evann Guessand.

Newcastle make approach to sign Evann Guessand

Africa Foot now state that Newcastle have been in touch with representatives of the Ivory Coast international in recent hours to explore a move.

The African news outlet add that the Magpies are yet to speak to OGC Nice about a deal, and have only enquired to the 24-year-old’s camp at this stage.

It comes after TBR Football revealed that Sunderland are also keen to sign Guessand this summer after winning promotion to the Premier League last season, with Leeds interested as well.

We understand the OGC Nice No.29 – who is valued at £22m – is eager to find a new challenge and would relish the chance to play in the Premier League.

Guessand impressed last season, scoring 13 goals and providing ten assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for OGC Nice.

Evann Guessand can cover multiple positions for Eddie Howe

With Isak the undisputed No.9 at Newcastle, any potential attacking arrival will need to boast some versatility – should the Swede remain on Tyneside.

Fortunately for Guessand, he can play with the Newcastle No.14 rather than sit behind him twiddling his thumbs.

Position	Games	Goals	Assists
Right Winger	16	8	6
Striker	13	3	1
Left Winger	6	2	3

The Ivorian made six appearances on the left last season, 13 as a central striker and 16 on the right, so the fact he can operate anywhere across the frontline is surely a point of attraction for Howe.

Eddie Howe should forget Yoane Wissa and save Newcastle £28m by signing bargain forward who plays like Julian Alvarez

Newcastle United are looking to sign a striker, having just seen Liverpool steal their move for Hugo Ekitike.

Newcastle United are keen to sign a partner for Alexander Isak, but also another option who will take the burden of scoring goals off the Swede.

Eddie Howe will be especially keen to sign another attacker after watching his side fail to score away at Celtic Park on Saturday, without his talisman in the squad.

Yoane Wissa is a big target for Newcastle this summer, as TBR Football has revealed, but the Magpies should be looking elsewhere to find better value.

Newcastle should target Evann Guessand over Yoane Wissa

Evann Guessand is a player who could be the perfect option for Howe’s attack, given his impressive versatility.

The 24-year-old has just enjoyed a strong campaign in Ligue 1 as he netted 12 goals and got a further nine assists for Nice.

Only five players managed more goal contributions than him in France’s top division, including Ousmane Dembele and Jonathan David.

Across the season, the Ivorian international filled several roles for Nice, including striker, right wing and left wing.

	Apps	Goals	Assists
Striker	17	8	6
Rihgt wing	13	3	1
Right wing	6	2	3

His ability to fill multiple positions, but play most naturally as a centre forward, could make him the perfect option for Howe’s squad.

Reports have suggested that Guessand might cost around £22m, which would be an absolute bargain fee for a player in his prime years.

Meanwhile, TBR Football understands that Brentford value Wissa at £50m, and whilst he did score 19 Premier League goals last term, that would not represent sensible business.

TBR Football has also revealed that Leeds and Sunderland are considering bids for Guessand, who’s keen to move to England this summer.

The Tyneside club could therefore save themselves around £28m and disappoint one of their biggest rivals by stealing their target.

Evann Guessand likened to Julian Alvarez

Guessand has been likened to Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, given his ability to play across the attack by FBref.