Newcastle chase second Spurs striker after being put off Crouch
Published:Newcastle are still hopeful of signing another striker this summer and Jermain Defoe has emerged as a leading target of Alan Pardew.
Demba Ba has already arrived on a free transfer this summer to bolster Newcastle’s striking options, but another forward would still offer value to compete for a starting spot with the likes of Shola Ameobi, Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands.
Money should not be any hindrance in any player chase as Newcastle netted £35m for Andy Carroll in January and there are three or four names making up a shortlist.
The leading target appears to be Paris Saint-Germain’s Turkish frontman Mevlut Erdinc, but although a £7m deal is likely to be accepted by the French club, agreeing personal terms may prove much more troublesome.
Therefore, with Tottenham keen to assemble a new strike force to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Champions League this season, Newcastle may approach Harry Redknapp for a new striker.
Peter Crouch has previously been linked with a move to St James’ Park, but Newcastle have been put off by a £9m price tag and so they may inquire over Defoe instead.
Defoe is 8/13 in the Premier League odds to still be at Spurs at the end of the summer transfer window, but may be tempted by a first move up north if he can be guaranteed first-team football.
The England striker is arguably one of the best finishers in the Premier League and his eye for goal and poaching instincts around the penalty box could be just what Newcastle require to challenge for the top six.
However, he only managed 16 starts at White Hart Lane last season and his rustiness was evident as he managed just four goals, which in turn impacted his England opportunities.
Newcastle’s odds are currently 50/1 to break into the top six, but the signing of Defoe would make 9/4 a big price that they finish in the top half.
