Newcastle United dealt major transfer blow as West Ham United close in on deal for Chelsea star

Newcastle United are reportedly set to miss out on one of their key transfer targets.

The Magpies had placed Chelsea striker Armando Broja on their list of priorities as they look to strengthen Eddie Howe’s options at the top end of the pitch.

The Albanian frontman recently returned to Stamford Bridge following an impressive season-long loan spell with Premier League rivals Southampton.

Broja is current in the United States and had looked set to be handed a chance to impress Blues manager Thomas Tuchel and earn himself a place in the German’s squad for the new Premier League season.

Saturday brought speculation of a £30million offer from West Ham United but Tuchel refuted claims he wanted to part company with the striker on a permanent basis.

He told the media: “Armando is our player first of all and we have, at the moment, no interest in selling him.

“He is here to make an impression after he was on loan in Southampton. That’s his situation from where we look up front. It’s good if there’s interest as it shows us there’s talent and potential.”

A compromise now seems to have been found after The Mail reported West Ham are ‘set to proceed’ with a season-long loan deal for the Albanian international.

The report suggests Chelsea ‘haven’t given up’ on Broja making an impact at Stamford Bridge in the future but are willing to allow the striker to spend another season on loan with a Premier League rival.

West Ham are also said to be continuing with their efforts to sign another striker linked with a move to Newcastle over the last two months.

The Hammers have submitted a bid for Sassuolo and Gianluca Scamacca, who scored 16 goals in Serie A last season to attract the attention of a number of clubs around Europe.

However, the bid for the Italy international will not impact on any loan bid to sign Broja.

Despite suffering a blow, Newcastle remain keen to add a winger and a striker to their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The likes of Watford star Ismaila Sarr, Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and Paris Saint-Germain prospect Arnaud Kalimuendo have all been linked with a move to St James Park in recent weeks.