Everton ‘make approach’ for key Newcastle United transfer target

Everton are the latest Premier League club to register an interest in Newcastle United transfer target Armando Broja.

The Albanian international has returned to parent club Chelsea after impressing during a season-long loan spell at Southampton and is set to be handed a chance to impress Blues manager Thomas Tuchel over the coming weeks.

The former Borussia Dortmund and PSG manager has already spoken of Broja’s development and his desire to assess the progress he made during his time on the South Coast.

Speaking in the final week of last season, he said: “They (Broja and Conor Gallagher) will come back for sure.

“I want to have them in pre-season. We will decide in pre-season what goes on. It is heavily up to them - and how they do.”

The 20-year-old striker signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge prior to his loan move to Southampton and will feel his chances of finding a regular place in Tuchel’s side have improved since Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan.

However, Chelsea are believed to be in talks with several attacking players with Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and Leeds United’s Brazilian international Raphinha strongly linked with a move to London.

The Athletic also reported the Blues are considering a move for Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal forward reportedly signalled his desire to leave Old Trafford.

Broja could find his path into the Chelsea side blocked by the arrival of any of those potential additions and that has alerted several clubs.

Southampton remain keen to secure the striker for a second season-long loan and West Ham United are said to be long-term admirers.

Newcastle’s desire to provide competition for Callum Wilson has led to Broja’s name coming up in several conversations within the club and the Blues youngster is believed to be high on their list of targets.

The Magpies are continuing to work within a set budget during the summer transfer window and a loan move for Broja would provide them with a more flexible approach that could boost their chances of landing their permanent targets.

The Athletic have now stated Everton have now entered the race to sign Broja and have submitted an enquiry to Chelsea as they look to fill the hole left by Richarlison’s lucrative move to Tottenham Hotspur.