Southampton reportedly jumped to the head of the queue for Blackburn Rovers star Adam Armstrong and is set to launch a bid for the prolific forward.
The 24-year-old has been linked to several of his clubs following a stellar performance for the Ewood Park team. The former England Under-21 ace scored 28 Championship goals in 40 appearances in 2020-2021. However, he was unable to help the Rovers finish above 15th place in the second-tier standings and has been offered a summer outing.
Armstrong began his career at local club Newcastle United. After moving up through the lower ranks of Magpies, he made his senior debut in 2014.
However, things didn’t work out and he only made 21 appearances in all competitions before leaving for Rovers in 2018. He spent time on loan with Coventry City, Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers before coming on loan to Ewood in January 2018.
Nine league goals in 21 games convinced the club’s leaders to give him a permanent contract. And the Northeast native has scored 64 goals in 160 appearances.
His first full season saw a return of just nine goals, but he managed 17 in 2019-20. However, no one would have expected such an impressive comeback in the campaign that just ended.
As expected, many clubs have been monitoring their situation and West Ham United was thought to be the favorite. Fulham, Everton and Brighton have also been mentioned as possible suitors.
And Newcastle is also believed to have an interest in re-signing the forward. However, The Express reports that Southampton is ready to strike first and will offer £ 15 million for the player.
Newcastle could have aces in the pursuit of Armstrong
Blackburn is believed to value his star forward at around £ 20 million. But it has been reported that they are willing to take less, and the Saints’ offer is not far off the mark.
Whether other clubs come up with rival offers remains to be seen, but the Magpies have the upper hand. They inserted a 40 percent sale clause into the deal that saw him move to the Northwest three years ago.
But that would not work if it is the club that signs the shooter. Much will depend on Armstrong himself and whether he feels the pull of Tyneside or is happy to show up elsewhere.
Ralph Hasenhuttl is known for wanting an offseason strike with doubts about the future of Danny Ings. West Ham’s interest also seems genuine, as David Moyes is still looking for Sebastien Haller Long term replacement.
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