Newcastle United make 'enquiry' for lethal £19m striker amid Eddie Howe forward hunt

Newcastle United have reportedly made an initial enquiry about signing Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke this month.

Eddie Howe is thought to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this month amid concerns regarding the consistent availability of Callum Wilson. The Newcastle frontman is currently out with a calf injury and has had two separate hamstring issues this season.

Alexander Isak has also dealt with fitness issues this season and Newcastle endured a period in which both of their strikers were unavailable. As such, the Magpies have made plans to sign a new No.9 and The Telegraph reports that they have approach Bournemouth over the possibility of signing Solanke.

That approach is thought to have been rejected outright by the Cherries, who have no intention of losing their top-scorer and talisman midway through the campaign. Andoni Iraola's side have grown into the season impressively and while a relegation fight looks unlikely, it would present an unnecessary risk.

Howe is a known admirer of Solanke, having signed the striker from Liverpool when he was in charge at the Vitality. Bournemouth spent £19million on him back in 2019 and hope to make a heft profit when they do sell - and on current form, it is likely other big clubs will join the race.

Solanke's 12 Premier League goals this season is only bettered by Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah - both on 14. Two of those goals came in a 2-0 at home to Newcastle and a game in which the Magpies were comfortably beaten.

The 26-year-old put pen to paper on a new four-year deal in September and so Bournemouth have no obligation to cash in this month. Iraola's only other senior striker isWelsh international Kieffer Moore.

It could be that Newcastle return with a more concrete attempt to sign Solanke in the summer, once they can reassess their own options. By that time and on current form, it is likely other top clubs will be in for the former Liverpool man.