Report: Newcastle now step up interest in 'incredible' PL player after developments over the weekend

By Ben Evans

Newcastle United and Everton have re-entered the race to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja, according to a report from i News.

The Albanian striker had been on West Ham’s radar, but over the weekend David Moyes’ side got very close to doing a deal for the ‘fearless’ Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca.

This means that the Hammers’ interest in Broja has dropped, potentially freeing up Newcastle or Everton with a chance to sign the young forward.

Broja had joined up late with the Chelsea squad on their US tour this summer, but flew back to London last week after picking up an injury, and didn’t feature in the Blues disastrous 4-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

According to i News, Newcastle are considering a loan offer for Broja that may appeal to Chelsea, while Frank Lampard’s connections to the club may help him secure a second summer signing for Everton, who so far have only brought in defender James Tarkowski.

Newcastle and Everton have a Broja-sized gap in their squads

It’s no surprise that Newcastle and Everton are interested in signing the Chelsea youngster, after he impressed on loan at Southampton last season.

Broja scored six times and provided an assist in 32 Premier League appearances, and although he wasn’t prolific in front of goal, Jamie Redknapp highlighted his “incredible pace and strength” during this time with the Saints.

A move for Broja makes sense for both clubs, with Newcastle unable to rely on Callum Wilson to stay fit for an entire season, and Chris Wood yet to hit the ground running since his move from Burnley.

Meanwhile, Everton have already sold Richarlison to Tottenham this summer, and Newcastle are also interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, meaning Broja would be an important signing for the Toffees.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will green light a move for Broja, having already loaned out Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan, and doubts over the futures of Michy Batshuayi and Timo Werner, letting the young Albanian go would leave Thomas Tuchel’s side short of natural centre-forwards.