Newcastle are weighing up a potential summer bid for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, according to reports in Italy.

The former Everton player has been in excellent form for the Viola this season, having found the back of the net 19 times in all competitions.

Calciomercato.it claim that the Magpies are “on the trail” of Kean, with the club said to be considering their options if they are “forced to let go of [Alexander] Isak.”

With the Italian having a €52m (£44m) release clause in his contract, Eddie Howe’s side already know how much it will cost to secure his signature.

Kean has been linked with several Premier League clubs

Newcastle are not the only English team who have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 25-year-old.

Kean’s performances have also attracted the attention of Tottenham and (somewhat ironically) Arsenal, who are reportedly considering the forward as a potential alternative to Isak.

Newcastle are still confident of keeping their No.9

Calciomercato are suggesting Kean as a fallback option if a team manages to meet the valuation for Isak.

Considering that the Magpies are believed to be demanding as much as £150m for their top goalscorer, it would be a surprise if any club comes close to that figure.

For that reason, the interest in Kean could be unrelated to the Swedish international’s future. It should be pointed out that Callum Wilson is expected to leave St. James’ Park on a free transfer at the end of June. That does leave a gap for a new striker to be brought in.

While it’s unlikely that Newcastle would devote £44m to recruiting a backup No.9, it does appear as if sporting director Paul Mitchell has identified Kean as a potential target for the summer.

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