A striker who was on Steve Bruce’s radar at Sheffield Wednesday is now being linked with a £10 million move to his new club, Newcastle United – as well as West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
The Chronicle reports that Mbwana Samatta, who plays for the Belgian side Genk, first came to Bruce’s attention during his time with Wednesday last season.
The Newcastle manager is then said to have ‘got the inside track’ on Samatta from ‘friends he trusts earlier this year after wanting a second opinion’.
The 26-year-old Tanzanian has scored eight goals in 19 games for Genk this season, including one against Liverpool in the Champions League last week.
Samatta celebrates his goal against Liverpool. (Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
And The Northern Echo reported on Friday that Newcastle will now ‘step up their interest’, with West Ham ‘expected to move’ and Crystal Palace also thought to be keen, along with up to three German clubs.
It is claimed that Samatta’s contract contains a £10m release clause, making him a low-risk recruit for Premier League clubs such as Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace.
But such a fee, not to mention Samatta’s ever-enhancing reputation, would likely rule Sheffield Wednesday out of contention.
The Owls could still profit, however, were the 51-cap star to sign for one of the above, with strikers such as Dwight Gayle (Newcastle), Xande Silva (West Ham) and Connor Wickham (Crystal Palace) potentially freed up to leave on permanent or loan deals.
