Newcastle United will likely be busy in the summer transfer window in a bid to kick on from a somewhat mixed 2023/24 campaign.
The Magpies have found form at just the right time and will now fancy their chances of beating out-of-form Tottenham for fifth place.
However, Newcastle’s squad was pushed to its limits this season and, as a result, couldn’t build on their fourth-placed finish in 2022/23.
With the Magpies likely to be in European competition once again next season, they’ll need to increase their strength in depth.
Newcastle may well look to bolster their attacking ranks amid speculation linking Callum Wilson with a move away from St James’ Park.
Now, a report from GiveMeSport has claimed that the Magpies have made an initial approach for a striker who Alan Shearer has praised in the past.
The player in question is Dominic Solanke, who has enjoyed a superb season with Bournemouth.
According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle have already made initial contact to sound out Solanke’s stance on a potential move to Tyneside.
Likewise, the Magpies are reportedly looking to find out how much Bournemouth would want for the 26-year-old, as well as what they’re after in terms of potential replacements.
What has Alan Shearer said about Newcastle target Dominic Solanke?
Dominic Solanke has shown he has what it takes to shine in the Premier League, having bagged 18 goals in the top flight and 20 in all competitions this season.
The £24million ace has also weighed in with four assists in all competitions, and his efforts have helped the Cherries break their Premier League points record this term.
Back in November, after Solanke’s double helped Bournemouth run out 2-0 winners over Newcastle, Alan Shearer gave his verdict on the player.
“He’s got to do that on a more consistent basis,” he told Premier League Productions, via the Bournemouth Echo. “There’s definitely something there. He’s got the ability.
“I know it’s difficult when you’re playing for a team that’s going to be up against it most weekends and that they don’t score many goals.
“But if Bournemouth stay up, then they are going to have to rely on him. It’s going to be his goals that keep them up. He’s a huge focal point in their team.
“It’s going to be difficult for them against the top teams, as it is for every team that are down there, but you’re going to stay up and score your goals against the teams that are going to be in and around you, the bottom half teams.
“I know Newcastle aren’t that, but they took advantage of Newcastle. He played really well and he’s got his team the three points.”
A month later, Shearer named Solanke in his Premier League Team of the Week after helping his side run out 3-0 winners at Manchester United.
“He ran the the show and gave Man Utd’s back four a torrid time,” wrote Shearer. “He took his goal well, too, with a great run to the near post.”