Newcastle, Villa keen on Lookman
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are positioning themselves to make a summer move for Ademola Lookman, with the Nigerian international reportedly considering a return to the Premier League, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle’s scouts have already been dispatched to Italy to assess Lookman, signalling serious interest in the 27-year-old forward.
The Magpies are particularly attracted by Lookman’s versatility, with the player capable of operating across multiple attacking positions.
The transfer speculation comes in the wake of a public disagreement between Lookman and Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini following the club’s Champions League exit. Lookman described his manager’s comments after a missed penalty as “deeply disrespectful”, creating speculation about his future at the Italian club.
Multiple Premier League clubs are now circling the Nigeria international, with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also reportedly interested.
Sources suggest Atalanta could demand up to €65m (£53.8m) for the player, who dramatically rose to prominence after scoring a historic hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is particularly keen on Lookman’s ability to play across the front line, viewing him as a potential solution to the club’s attacking depth issues.
Aston Villa have also been offered the chance to sign Lookman, with the club potentially looking to use funds from Jhon Duran’s recent sale to strengthen their attacking options. The Villans see Lookman as a potential upgrade on their current wide attacking options.
Lookman’s camp has made it clear that returning to the Premier League remains a primary ambition. His impressive form since joining Atalanta – including 17 goals and seven assists this season – has only increased interest from top English clubs.
The transfer saga continues to develop, with Lookman entering the final 12 months of his current contract. Atalanta have an option to extend his deal by a year, but the player’s preference appears to be a return to English football.
