Newcastle United in European scouting mission and Bundesliga competition emerges for striker

Newcastle United have the opportunity to bolster their ranks still before the end of the transfer window.

The Toon Army have been patient with their recruitment so far this summer and they carefully weigh up who to bring in next.

Eddie Howe’s side have signed Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman so far.

Here is a look at the latest news coming out of the club today...

Scouts in Portugal

Newcastle scouts have reportedly been spotted in Portugal.

Representatives from the North East outfit have been seen at FC Porto’s clash against Sporting Lisbon this weekend.

That’s according to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, who have reported the news that the Toon Army have been casting their eyes over the Primeira Liga.

Striker latest

Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque, who has been linked with a switch to St James’ Park in a report in late July by Football Insider, is said to be wanted by Union Berlin now.

The attacker scored 12 goals in all competitions last season, having managed 16 in the campaign prior to that one.

According to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon, he is on Union Berlin’s radar in the Bundesliga now.

Praise for Pope

Howe believes Pope can become England’s number one ahead of Jordan Pickford.

Newcastle swooped to sign the former Charlton Athletic man following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship.

He has since impressed for his new club and has earned some high praise from his manager, who has said, as per a report by the Independent:

“If he didn’t (become England number one) I’d say he needs to review his ambitions because when you’re in his position, you’re close, you’re close to playing. He’s only a couple of positions away.

“You’ve got to reach and you’ve got to strain to try to make that jump and certainly with the start he’s made for us, he’s done himself no harm.”