Newcastle United have relied upon defenders to contribute goals in the first half of the season, as strike trio Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton have found the back of the net only four times between them in the league. But with the goals from defence drying up and the Magpies scoring just four and conceding eleven in their last six Premier League matches, manager Steve Bruce is searching for attacking options this January.
Newcastle have been linked with two options up top, the Chronicle has reported that Ademola Lookman could make the move from RB Leipzig, while the Daily Star have suggested Emmanuel Dennis could arrive from Club Brugge. But who would be the best option to ensure Newcastle’s survival in the top-flight of English football?
Dennis has been in excellent form in the Belgian first division, as well as the Champions League, after scoring a brace against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu earlier in the season. Domestically he has found the back of the net five times in eleven starts and could be ready to make the transition up to the Premier League. To further boost his appeal to the Newcastle boss, the 22-year-old Nigerian is capable of playing anywhere across a front three, meaning he could slot in alongside Joelinton or as a replacement for the goal-shy Brazilian.
Meanwhile, Lookman has not been quite so prolific since joining Leipzig from Everton permanently this summer. The English attacker has managed only one start for the German heavyweights in the Bundesliga, with a further two substitute appearances, and has failed to find the back of the net or provide an assist. He was considerably more successful whilst on loan in Leipzig during the 2017/18 season, scoring five and assisting three in 11 top-flight appearances; and Bruce will be hoping to rekindle that form out of the 22-year-old should he arrive on Tyneside.
Considering Newcastle need goals fast, if they do bring in attacking reinforcements in January, they might be wise to opt for Dennis. The Nigerian has been playing regularly and scoring, while Lookman would be short of match fitness. Dennis has also proven himself in the Champions League this season, suggesting he might be better prepared to make the transition to the Premier League.
