Newcastle United have ‘got an eye on’ Chelsea striker Armando Broja’s situation, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Broja has emerged as a potential target for the Magpies after they ended their lengthy pursuit of Stade Reims forward Hugo Ekitike.

What is the latest news involving Broja?

Last month, Sky Sports reported that West Ham were set to bid in the region of £30 million for Broja following his successful season-long loan spell with Southampton last term.

The same outlet then recently stated that Newcastle ‘are interested’ in the Albania international and have discussed him as a potential temporary addition to Eddie Howe’s first-team squad.

However, it seems as though the North East outfit will have to pay up if they want to secure Broja’s services in the current window.

And that’s because the Evening Standard claim that Chelsea have turned down Newcastle’s loan approach, and that co-owner Todd Boehly is set to meet with the 20-year-old imminently.

It’s claimed that both West Ham and Everton have ‘made contact’ with the Blues over Broja and that the player is either looking for a substantial role at Stamford Bridge or a permanent move to a Premier League rival this summer.

What has Jones said about Broja?

Howe has already improved his backline by adding Matt Targett, Sven Botman and Nick Pope, and bolstering his options in the final third appears to be next on his to-do list.

Darwin Nunez to Liverpool! Done Deal! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that Broja is ‘definitely’ a player the Newcastle hierarchy have on their radar as they look to move on from Ekitike.

He told GMS: “A forward is obviously the next big priority position for them, and Broja is definitely somebody whose situation they've got an eye on.”

Where would Broja fit in at Newcastle?

Newcastle have predominantly lined up in a 4-3-3 formation throughout Howe’s short reign, meaning there is only room for one striker in his starting XI.

Chris Wood was brought in from Burnley for £25m as recently as January, yet the New Zealand international was only able to find the back of the net on two occasions in 16 appearances.

Broja, on the hand, racked up 10 goal contributions for Southampton throughout 2021/22, leading to Ralph Hasenhuttl labelling him “devastating”.

Howe also has Callum Wilson to call upon, but with Broja’s potential to improve and based on his impressive showing last season, he could be a valuable asset to have at St. James’ Park.