EXCLUSIVE: Price emerges as Newcastle lead rivals for former star

Adam Armstrong, Joe Lolley

Newcastle United are ready to push ahead with a deal for former striker Adam Armstrong, whether they stay up or not, TEAMtalk understands.

Striker Armstrong has excelled during his time at Ewood Park. He has 55 goals in 151 appearances since moving to East Lancashire.

A host of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in the 5ft 6in striker as a result. West Ham were mentioned as suitors back in January. Meanwhile, Southampton are also said to be among those who are keen.

However, Newcastle have a huge advantage in the chase for the player thanks to a clause in his contract. As part of the deal that took Armstrong to Ewood Park in 2018, Newcastle inserted a 40% sell-on, which can be written off as part of the deal.

It’s been claimed Blackburn wanted over £20million for the 24-year-old. However, we understand that Rovers will accept a deal worth around £16million. But with Newcastle that would be the total amount required, with the sell-on fee excluded.

Newcastle could very well have new owners this summer, but Armstrong would prove a hugely popular signing no-matter what.

He came through the ranks at St James’ Park and played more than a dozen games – mainly from the bench. Indeed, he spent most of his time excelling out on loan.

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Now at Blackburn he is established himself as one of the Championship’s top strikers. As such, Newcastle’s hierarchy are ready to offer him a route back to Tyneside this summer.

Armstrong swoop backed by pundit

One man who can understand the interest in Armstrong is former Villa man Gabriel Agbonlahor.

He’s seen his old club excel with another Championship frontman in Ollie Watkins up front.

Adam Armstrong Blackburn

And Agbonlahor says clubs should not be afraid to raid the second tier for their brightest talent.

“You look at Ollie Watkins (at Aston Villa), you look at Ivan Toney, I’m sure if Brentford don’t go up, he’ll get a move to the Premier League,” he said. “A lot of these Championship strikers are making the grade when they come up to the Premier League and they are showing they can do it.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was the sort of player who wouldn’t moan about being the second choice until he gets settled in. I’m sure that would be a perfect signing that David Moyes would look at.”

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