A big Newcastle United update has emerged regarding the club's pursuit of Chelsea striker Armando Broja in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

The Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has claimed that the Magpies are now exploring the possibility of an initial loan for the Albania international.

He tweeted: "TRANSFER LATEST: Armando Broja's future plunged back into uncertainty after West Ham shelve interest in Chelsea striker. #NUFC still keen on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent switch next summer..."

The accompanying article states that the Tyneside club have made a number of enquiries over a potential swoop for the attacker, whilst West Ham have now dropped out of the race in order to finalise a deal for Sassuolo predator Gianluca Scamacca.

Supporters will be buzzing

This claim will leave Newcastle supporters buzzing, as the structure of that proposed deal would be a dream agreement for the Magpies.

At the age of 20, Broja is yet to prove that he can nail down consistency in his performances and - as with every young player - there is no guarantee that he will continue to develop and fulfill his potential.

There are untold factors which can have an impact on a player's progress, and the Slough-born attacker may not hit the heights which would be expected of him at Newcastle.

This means that the club could sign him for a mega transfer fee up front this summer and then he goes on to struggle in Eddie Howe's team and is unable to build upon his time with Southampton.

Instead, an initial loan deal gives all parties involved a chance to evaluate the fit. He could have an outstanding campaign and join the club permanently for the 2023/24 campaign, or he could flop and head back to Chelsea to seal another move.

In the Premier League last term, Broja scored six goals in 21 starts on loan at Southampton as he showed glimpses of what he is capable of producing at the top level, scoring nine goals in all competitions for the Saints.

That return was not an incredible one which suggests that he will immediately be a reliable, 20-goal-a-season striker for the Magpies, but it does highlight his potential and show that he has the scope to reach those heights.

That is why bringing him in on loan - to assess how he fits the team and develops - before making a final decision on him next summer would be a perfect arrangement which will leave Newcastle supporters buzzing.

AND in other news, In talks: NUFC make "contact" for "extraordinary" £25m target, he can be Howe's Zidane...