An update has emerged on reported Newcastle transfer target Adam Armstrong, with the forward being tipped for a Championship move.

What's the talk?

An EFL insider has hinted that the much-coveted Blackburn striker could end up at Championship outfit Fulham before the end of the window.

They told Football Transfer Tavern: “Adam Armstrong from Blackburn could be one, similar to Dwight Gayle, but has more goals in his game in my opinion.

“He’s proven now and a good bid might get him to move to a big club like Fulham, with its wealth.” Newcastle have been touted in recent months with an interest in a deal to bring the £25m-valued forward back to St James' Park this summer, with West Ham and Southampton also reportedly keen.

Upgrade on Gayle

Newcastle must act swiftly to secure a deal for Armstrong before any other suitor is able to swoop in for him in the final weeks of the transfer window. The Magpies cannot afford to allow a Championship club to beat them to what could be a fantastic signing.

He could be a significant upgrade on Dwight Gayle and bolster Bruce's options in the final third considerably. The 31-year-old scored once in 18 Premier League appearances for the Toon last term, averaging a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.21.

This suggests that it could be time for the Magpies to part ways with the former Crystal Palace man as he has not been able to produce consistent performances in the top flight. Selling him could then open the door for Armstrong to come in and replace him, and he could prove to be a more valuable asset than the experienced Gayle.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray lavished praise on the “explosive” Newcastle target last season and admitted that he has matured as a player. He told FourFourTwo: "Adam does (make a difference) as he has done all season. I think Adam has matured and he’s only 23.

“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure to someone like (Harvey) Elliott to play the pass that he can hit just leaving it in the space for the speed and dynamic movement of Armstrong – it’s a devastating effect for the team."

Armstrong scored an impressive 28 goals in the Championship for Blackburn last season, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.15 for the club. He is bang in form and seven years younger than Gayle, which means that the 24-year-old has the potential for further development whilst also showing that he could shine for Newcastle straight away. Therefore, Bruce should be pushing for this deal to be completed in August.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Howey drops Freddie Woodman verdict amid surprise Bruce admission at Newcastle...