Newcastle United Could Face Competition From Stoke For English Forward: What Should Bruce Do? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Scottish Sun has stated that Newcastle United could face competition from Stoke City in the race to land Aberdeen forward Sam Cosgrove. The same source also revealed last month that the Magpies were keeping a keen eye on the English striker’s progress in the Scottish Premiership.

Cosgrave’s Underwhelming Season In Scottish Football

The Beverley-born marksman has experienced a tough season for the Scottish outfit after struggling to find consistency as far as his goal-scoring is concerned in the final third. Cosgrove has featured in 13 matches for Derek McInnes’ side this term, netting three goals and providing two assists in multiple competitions.

The 24-year-old has failed to give a good account of himself on the offensive end of the pitch as he is averaging 1.3 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Scottish Premiership. However, he has been sloppy when distributing the ball based on his pass success rate of 66.5% in the Scottish top-flight (stats via whoscored).

Cosgrave has not been playing at his best this season, so he might fancy switching clubs this month in search of a fresh start away from the Pittodrie Stadium. Hence, the Magpies will do well to move quickly for the English frontman if they are serious about recruiting him. Otherwise, they risk missing out on the striker as the Potters might test Abderdeen’s resolve by making an offer during this January transfer window.

What Are The Aberdeen Centre-Forward’s Best Attributes?

Cosgrove can use his strong 1.94m frame to overpower the opposition centre-backs and has got a great leap in him that helps him win many important aerial duels for his team. He excels at holding the ball up to get others involved in and around the opponent’s penalty box and can use his strength to generate a yard of space for himself to get a few shots in at goal.

However, the English attacker needs to improve his finishing if he wants to play at the highest level week in week out. At 24, he is about to enter the prime years of his playing career, so a lot will be expected of him in the coming seasons if he ends up sealing a move back to England before the transfer window comes to a close at the start of next month.

What Should Bruce Do With Regards To Cosgrove?

At the moment, Cosgrove is struggling to score goals regularly in Scottish football. Hence, there are some question marks over whether he can improve his goal tally back in his homeland where he might struggle to cope with the high intensity of Premier League football.

All in all, Steve Bruce will struggle to gather the funds to get a deal done for Cosgrove this month. Rather, the Newcastle boss will be better off looking at some loan options if he wants to add more firepower to his frontline ahead of the second half of this campaign.