Newcastle United, West Ham & Everton face frustrating delay in efforts to land £30m forward

Armando Broja has reportedly linked up with Chelsea for their pre-season tour of the US, despite uncertainty remaining around the striker’s future.

The Albanian international has returned to Stamford Bridge following a successful loan spell at Southampton last season, where he scored nine times.

A chance to impress Blues boss Thomas Tuchel in the US had been predicted, however, that was put into doubt when Broja did not travel with the Chelsea squad on Saturday.

But according to the Evening Standard, the 20-year-old is en route via the same private jet that is carrying Raheem Sterling to Los Angeles ahead of his £45million move from Manchester City.

That said, Broja’s future still remains undecided, with the Blues debating whether or not to cash in and reinvest the funds in the squad, push for a loan move - which Broja has reportedly no interest in - or keep him.

Newcastle, Everton and West Ham United are awaiting the outcome.

Eddie Howe is keen to recruit a striker this summer to rival Callum Wilson and Chris Wood for a starting spot.

Howe also wants to sign a wide forward, so acquiring Broja, potentially on loan, would free Newcastle up to splash the cash in another position.

Bayern Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby is among the club’s top targets but his £50million+ price tag makes a deal unlikely at this stage.