Newcastle could make another 'Bruno Guimaraes-esque' signing at St James' Park | OneFootball

Newcastle United could make a ‘surprise’ signing over the summer as they look to add another striker to their squad, according to Sky Sport journalist Keith Downie.

It’s expected to be a busy few months for the Magpies, who should have a sizeable budget to spend following their Saudi-backed takeover last year.

In January, Newcastle’s new owners backed manager Eddie Howe by bringing in five new acquisitions for around £90 million, and their outlay has been duly rewarded.

The North East outfit have surged up the Premier League standings since the turn of the year, yet The Telegraph have claimed Howe may only receive a similar figure to spend ahead of next term.

Nevertheless, that has not stopped several intriguing stars from being linked with a move to St. James’ Park in recent weeks.

After a move for Stade Reims forward Hugo Ekitike fell through on deadline day in the winter window, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Newcastle ‘have been working’ on a deal ever since.

However, Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on signing the talented 19-year-old as they have identified him as a possible replacement for Erling Haaland.

What has Downie said about Newcastle?

Newcastle have also been credited with an interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez in the past but Downie thinks that deal is ‘unlikely now’ and a shock name could join Howe’s revolution.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think Darwin Nunez is unlikely now. I think there will be a bit of a surprise.

“I think we’ll get a surprise in the summer in terms of a striker arrival, maybe like how we were surprised with Bruno Guimaraes, no one had mentioned him, and it just came from nowhere.

“I think we might get a bit of a surprise in terms of who arrives in the striking department.”

Who could Newcastle sign?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously informed GMS that Newcastle will ‘probably’ look to sign Ekitike and ‘one other’ striker this summer.

With Nunez seemingly out of their grasp, Brentford’s Ivan Toney has reportedly been identified as a more achievable alternative to the Uruguay international.

Toney, who was previously on Newcastle’s books, has enjoyed a stellar season for the Bees, racking up 14 goals and six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Football Insider claim Howe’s charges have held ‘preliminary’ talks over Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, indicating an exciting window is ahead for Newcastle supporters.