Newcastle United takeover & transfer news: £22m striker tops target list as left-back move decision nears

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 13: Dimitris Giannoulis of PAOK in action during the UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying match between Ajax and PAOK Thessaloniki at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 13, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report United are keen to add the Czech Republic international frontman, who spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig, to their squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Adding goals is a priority for manager Steve Bruce in the close season, with Dwight Gayle the top marksman among his forwards last season with four Premier League strikes in 20 appearances.

United have also been linked with the likes of Luka Jovic and Callum Wilson this summer, but budgets are believed to be tight on Tyneside with Mike Ashley counting the cost of not only a failed takeover from PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, but also the impact on revenue caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Schick, 24, is thought to be rated in the £22 million category by his parent club, as per the report. Bayer Leverkusen are his most likely destination.

Elsewhere, according to Greek newspaper Sportime, United’s chase of Dimitris Giannoulis looks set to come to a head.

The report states the Greek international left-back’s future could be decided after PAOK’s Champions League qualifier with Besiktas tonight.

Marseille are also thought to be interested in the player.

The report continues that any offer would have to satisfy PAOK financially, with the club thought to be wanted less than £5 million for their full-back.

United have just Paul Dummett on the books who can fill the left-back slot at present.