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Alexander Isak could find himself working with a new forward under Eddie Howe(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Eddie Howe may be able to unleash a fearsome new strike force as Newcastle move to sign Hugo Ekitike to play alongside Alexander Isak, rather than replace him.

Reports suggest agent Ali Barat is attempting to finalise a deal worth £70million.

That would make Ekitike Newcastle's record signing, surprassing the fee paid for Isak.



It may provide Howe with an alternative to his preferred 433.

To retain the strength of his midfield three, Newcastle's boss may opt to utilise Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in the centre of the pitch to support a front two of Isak and Ekitike.

In this instance Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could have a busy time on the flanks as wing-backs while Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn play ahead of Nick Pope.

Otherwise, the Toon could play with a more traditional back four.

Tino Livramento is difficult to drop and could take a place on the right of Botman and Schar, with Lews Hall returning from injury to feature on the left, with the capability to step into midfield.

Hugo Ekitike is wanted by Newcastle United(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/Getty Images)

Tonali and Guimares would likely keep their places, and Gordon and Elanga could take their positions out wide, despite Jacob Murphy's good form last season.

That would see Gordon and Elanga battling for the final spot in the XI.

Newcastle 1: Pope; Schar, Botman, Burn; Elanga, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon; Isak, Ekitike.

Newcastle 2: Pope; Liveramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali; Elanga, Ekitike, Gordon; Isak.

Newcastle 3: Pope; Liveramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Gordon, Isak, Ekitike.

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