Newcastle United are now determined to sign an "incredible" forward, having recently opened direct talks to wrap up a deal as soon as possible.

Newcastle vying to sign winger following Anthony Gordon's departure

After completing a £69.3m move to FC Barcelona last week, Anthony Gordon has now paid his respects to Newcastle, saying: "I owe this club a lot because, when I arrived, I was quite lost both in life and in football.

"The club has given me a sense of belonging and a sense of identity. It's allowed me to do what I always thought I could do. It's put me on the biggest stage and allowed me to perform for the shirt.

"It was really important for me to leave this place in a good way because I've loved every single minute of being a part of Newcastle United. This is an incredible club and one that I'll never forget. I'll be a fan for the rest of my life."

Losing Gordon, who amassed 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 appearances for the Magpies, will undoubtedly be a blow for Eddie Howe, but one bonus of a deal being finalised very early is it gives the manager plenty of time to sign a new winger.

Following the England international's departure, four potential replacements have already been identified.

However, the PIF are now stepping up their pursuit of an alternative option.

Newcastle determined to sign "incredible" forward

According to a report from Sports Boom, Newcastle are going all out to secure the signing of Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, and they are keen to get a deal over the line as soon as possible, with direct negotiations recently being opened.

Toure is one of the Magpies' top targets, with talks currently ongoing, and they are seriously keen to wrap up a move, amid growing competition, with Liverpool, Man United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich now interested.

However, it remains to be seen whether Howe's side are able to win the packed race for the Ivorian's signature, after missing out on European football entirely.

The left-winger, who is valued at around £39m, may be keen to test himself in Europe, having enjoyed a fantastic 2025-26 campaign with Hoffenheim, chipping in with five goals and 12 assists in 30 Bundesliga matches.

Scout Ben Mattinson is also an admirer of the Hoffenheim forward, saying on X: "Bazoumana Toure is an incredible mover. The way he alternates his stride, carries with directness and power but changes direction so quickly is impressive.

"Toure operates at high speeds and still executes to a high level, a skill of the best wingers."

At just 20-years-old, Toure could be an ideal long-term replacement for Gordon.

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