Newcastle United should move quickly in the summer transfer window to sign Dominic Solanke from Tottenham Hotspur.
That is the view of former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who told Football Insider that Solanke would represent a “major upgrade” on Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade is reportedly unsettled at St James’ Park and could return to Germany this summer after spending just one season in the Premier League. Newcastle are expected to look for a new striker after both Woltemade and Yoane Wissa struggled to score consistently, while Solanke has already proven himself capable of finding goals in the English top flight.
Wyness, who previously served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy that advises elite clubs, suggested talks over a potential deal between Newcastle and Spurs may already be taking place behind the scenes.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he said Eddie Howe would likely get the best out of the 28-year-old striker.
According to Wyness, Solanke would be an ideal fit for Newcastle, especially given Woltemade’s current situation. He believes the Tottenham forward would represent a clear improvement and could thrive under Howe’s management. While Solanke started the season strongly before his form dipped slightly, Wyness thinks a move could benefit both the player and the club.
Meanwhile, Wyness also revealed Newcastle are keen to keep Malick Thiaw at St James’ Park despite growing interest in the defender from several clubs.
Thiaw has become one of Newcastle’s most valuable players after an impressive debut season in the Premier League and is now a regular in Howe’s starting lineup. His value could rise even further if the 24-year-old secures a place in Germany national football team’s starting XI at this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
