Newcastle transfer news: Bruce set to make Bowen bid as he seeks to solve goal problem

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a bid for Hull City forward Jarrod Bowen in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old forward has been an ever-present under Grant McCann at the KCOM Stadium this season and his present deal is set to run out in June 2020.

Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal. Five key things to know…

• Steve Bruce, according to Telegraph Sport, has identified Jarrod Bowen as a target to bolster Newcastle’s attacking threat.
• Only Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Watford – all on 20 goals – have scored fewer than Newcastle (21) this term.
• Newcastle’s leading scorer is Jonjo Shelvey (5) with record-signing centre-forward Joelinton managing one league goal to date.
• Bowen has registered 16 goals in 27 Championship matches so far this season.
• The forward has been linked to several clubs and Newcastle are 12/1* to secure his signature this month.

*Odds provided by William Hill, Squawka’s partner for the 2020 January transfer window. You have to be 18+ to gamble. For more information, go to BeGambleAware.org

Goalscoring has been a major issue throughout the season for the Magpies, who are desperate to maintain their Premier League status.

Steve Bruce’s men currently sit 13th in the table, but are five points above the relegation zone, with only Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Watford having scored fewer than Newcastle’s tally of 21.

11 different players have scored for Newcastle in the league and midfielder Jonjo Shelvey presently leads the way on five goals, which is significantly more than what their attacking players have managed.

Record-signing Joelinton has managed one league goal to date, and is presently on a 19-game goalless streak, whilst the returning Andy Carroll has failed to register across 13 appearances. Such is this concern, it is unsurprising to see Bruce keen to bolster his options.

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Bowen has certainly impressed in England’s second division having bagged 16 goals in 27 league outings. Only Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ollie Watkins, both on 18 strikes, have produced more to date. However, such a move presents a risk (then again, so does every transfer), given Bowen’s meagre Premier League experience.

He’s played in the world’s most watched league before; with seven appearances – totalling 177 minutes of playing time – coming in the 2016/17 season, a run that saw him fail to contribute with either a goal or assist.

Hull currently sit three points off a Championship play-off spot and will be reluctant to see their star performer depart midway through the campaign as their hopes of promotion may be tied to Bowen’s future.