Newcastle United face £65m release clause snub for Eddie Howe’s ‘dream’ summer signing

Newcastle United are not one of the clubs that can sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke for £65million this summer.

The Magpies were linked with the 26-year-old in January at the height of the club’s injury crisis. At the time, Solanke was also the Premier League’s most in-form striker, having recently bagged a brace against Newcastle in a 2-0 win.

Eddie Howe - who signed the former Chelsea and Liverpool man for the Cherries - admitted he rated him “very highly” during the winter window. He told reporters: “Yes, a frustrating story for me (not being able to sign players) because, yes, I love Dominic Solanke, I signed him and I rate him very, very highly.

“But we have not made an inquiry for him and we don’t have the ability to sign a player of that level. Given the freedom to act, we would have brought players in already but we’re not in that situation. The owners are very ambitious and would like to improve the squad at every opportunity but the rules & conditions we’re working under don’t allow that.”

Solanke was one of the division’s deadliest strikers last season, scoring 19 times - averaging a goal every other game. Many believe he was unfortunate not to make England’s squad for Euro 2024.

The Three Lions international has three years remaining on his Bournemouth contract but has a reported £65million release clause. However, Newcastle are not one of the clubs who can trigger the deal.

HITC Football claim the stipulation would only be activated if a traditional “big six” Premier League side made an offer. Signing a striker is understood to be on Newcastle’s wishlist given the uncertainty over Callum Wilson’s future.