TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has praised Newcastle United for pursuing Alexander Isak in the wake of Callum Wilson’s latest injury setback.
Isak was unveiled as the Magpies’ record signing, after a fee in the region of £58million was agreed between Newcastle and Real Sociedad.
The Swedish international has been scouted by head of recruitment Steve Nickson on a number of occasions, dating back to his loan spell with Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Wilson, who has scored two goals in his opening three league matches, could be poised for another spell on the sidelines. He was brought off in Newcastle’s 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, after feeling some tightness in his hamstring. Eddie Howe has confirmed that he will undergo a scan.
His absence left Newcastle with Chris Wood, who scored the winning goal at Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday, to lead the line. However, with the imminent arrival of Isak, Agbonlahor insists that the move will help them challenge for a European place this season.
“Newcastle have surprised me. The way they haven’t just splashed all their cash on crazy players.” the former Aston Villa forward told talkSPORT.
Agbonlahor added: “They’ve bought some top talent. Dan Burn came in, Sven Botman too. He’s [Isak] a good striker. Callum Wilson’s injury record, you can’t afford to be left with Chris Wood.
“No offence to Wood but he’s not where Newcastle are going at the moment. They need to bring in a better option because Callum Wilson keeps getting these injuries.
“His hamstring again, he gets a lot of muscle injuries and they want to challenge this season. They’re not just there to finish top 12 or top 10, Newcastle want to push for a European place.”
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