Newcastle officials fly out to make in-person checks on signing £22m forward

PIF have dispatched Newcastle United officials to make in-person checks on in-demand forward Franculino Dju, as they look to rebuild their frontline.

Newcastle make in-person checks on Dju

The pressure is growing on Eddie Howe ahead of the summer. The Newcastle boss, almost 12 months after the Magpies spent over £150m to make up for the sale of Alexander Isak, looks destined to endure a disappointing mid-table finish.

From ending their trophy drought and securing top four, those in Tyneside have even plummeted below closest rivals Sunderland, who completed the double over them this season.

For many around St James’ Park, it will be considered an unacceptable job from Howe. But he’s not the only one to blame. Newcastle’s recruitment has failed to hit the mark time and time again in recent years.

As Isak headed for the exit door, Newcastle found themselves enduring a nightmare summer. It very much seemed as though they were never going to find a replacement after constant rejection, only for Wissa and Woltemade to arrive late on.

The latter’s form in his first few weeks at the club suggested that the Magpies had completed excellent business. Ever since those first few weeks, however, Woltemade has struggled and now finds himself in an unexpected central midfield role – summing up Newcastle’s recruitment struggles.

It’s something that Ross Wilson must change in his first summer in charge and the sporting director already reportedly has some targets in mind.

According to Danish outlet Campo, as relayed by Sport Witness, PIF have dispatched Newcastle officials to make in-person checks on Dju ahead of a potential summer move.

The Midtjylland striker is a man in-demand, with the likes of Everton, RB Leipzig and Real Betis just three of the clubs joining Newcastle in the race for his signature which could cost around £22m.

In-demand Dju could end Newcastle’s problem

One way to solve an attacking problem is by signing a striker who’s scored as many as 22 goals in all competitions this season. Dju has thrived where Wissa and Woltemade have failed. He has consistently taken Denmark by storm and looks destined for bigger things as a result.

Dubbed “amazing” by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Dju is still just 21 years old and could solve Newcastle’s attacking problems for years to come.

The Magpies didn’t get it right last summer, but have the chance to make up for lost time by welcoming the Midtjylland striker.

Whether it’s Howe who reaps the rewards of such a transfer, or indeed another manager, remains the unanswered question at St James’ Park, however.