Newcastle preparing shock move for the 'next Victor Osimhen'

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 Oct 2023 18:58 BST
• 3 min read

Newcastle are preparing a shock move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, according to The Sun.

Boniface has been in fine form in the 2023-24 season, scoring seven goals in seven Bundesliga games.

He has been dubbed the 'next Victor Osimhen', largely due to the fact that they are both Nigerian but also because they are relatively similar in playstyle.

READ MORE: Who is Victor Boniface? The next €100m rival to Haaland and Osimhen

Indeed, Boniface would be an excellent replacement for Osimhen, should he leave Napoli next summer.

However, the former could be on his way to Newcastle, instead, with the northeast club reportedly holding an interest.

They even sent scouts to watch him play for Nigeria against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique over the international break.

He failed to score in either game but was a handful for the opposing defenders, particularly in the game against Saudi Arabia.

Eddie Howe may have identified Boniface as a long-term replacement for Callum Wilson, who turns 32 in February.

The Magpies also have star striker Alexander Isak on the books, although he can perform well on the left wing, too.

Newcastle transfer targets

Newcastle are believed to be interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe in January.

Eddie Howe's side are lacking a creative midfielder, having missed out on James Maddison in the summer, and Smith Rowe would certainly fill that void.

And, the 23-year-old could be attainable, given that he has not started a Premier League game this season.

Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali's potential absence, due to a betting scandal, could see The Magpies enter the market for a 'number 8'.

Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips could be a solid option - another player that has struggled for playing time this season.

The England international would likely welcome a move to St. James' Park ahead of the 2024 European Championship.