Almeria striker Sadiq Umar becomes the latest Nigerian player Newcastle enquire about

ALMERIA striker Sadiq Umar has become the latest Nigerian footballer to attract the attention of English Premier League giants Newcastle United with a view to signing him during the summer transfer window.

Newcastle became the wealthiest club in the world last year following a £305m acquisition by a Saudi-led consortium. Under the terms of the ambitious acquisition, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took out an 80% stake in the club, with the remainder held by PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

As part of a mega rebuilding plan, Newcastle are targeting several Nigerian players, with the club intending to make a £45m bid for Ebere Eze and a £20m request for Nantes winger Moses Simon. Last month, the club announced that Porto fullback Sanusi, 24, is also on its radar, as is Nigerian talisman, the Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Now, Newcastle have cast its net further, looking to bring Umar, 25, to the English Premier league at the end of the season. Umar, who is also said to be watched by Barcelona, has been in great form for Almeria since his return from the African Cup of Nations, returning the side to the top of the league.

Almeria are expected to hold out for at least €20m to part with Sadiq as he has a €60m buyout clause in his contract. Sadiq has scored 13 goals and created nine assists in 24 Liga Smartbank games this season for Almeria.

Almeria currently sit second in the La Liga Two, one point behind Eibar, with Sadiq powering the team to four wins in their last five games. He has scored five goals in his last four games since his return from the African Nations Cup in January.