Nigerian hot-shot Umar Sadiq is being courted by Newcastle United according to multiple media reports.

Newcastle were recently acquired for 300m pounds by a group led by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and the club has been shopping for players to help with their bid for Premier League survival.

Reports say Almeria striker Sadiq has been identified as a key target to help the Geordies’ floundering attack which has managed a paltry 12 goals all season.

Sadiq, valued at 25m euros, has been in sensational form for his Spanish side this season and has been linked with a move to England with Tottenham Hotspur thought to be leading the chase before the latest revelations of interest from St James’ Park.

After a peripatetic phase that saw him pass through AS Roma, Torino, Bologna, and Rangers and Partizan Belgrade, Umar joined Almeria for 5m euros in 2020 and the 24-year-old has truly blossomed in Spain.

Sadiq has plundered 29 goals and 13 assists in 58 games in all competitions for Almeria including seven goals in 15 games this season which has propelled the club to the top of the Segunda Division.

These impressive numbers may have convinced new Geordies boss Eddie Howe that the former Nigerian youth international can be the focal point of his attack to guarantee safety this season and lead the charge for a first major trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.

Sadiq is the latest Nigerian to be linked with Newcastle after Michael Emenalo was reported to be in pole position to be named the club’s director of football.

Newcastle are currently 19th on the log and face an uphill task to stave off relegation but their survival could hinge on their ability to prise Sadiq away from Almeria in January.