Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring Sturm Graz striker Rasmus Hojlund, ahead of a potential swoop this summer.

What's the word?

According to journalist Chris Waugh - in a Q and A for The Athletic - the Magpies are believed to be keeping tabs on the 19-year-old, with manager Eddie Howe seeking attacking recruits having been frustrated in the market in that regard thus far.

The club insider suggests, however, that it is not known whether the Tynesiders will actually make an approach for the Danish giant, with the 6 foot 4 menace one of 'several names' on the club's list of potential targets.

The northeast side have already backed away from a deal for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak due to the potential, hefty asking price, while they also saw long-term target Hugo Ekitike join Paris Saint-Germain.

Wood replacement

A new striker is seemingly of paramount importance with Howe currently being forced to rely on an impressive, yet injury-prone Callum Wilson to lead the line, with January arrival Chris Wood offering little competition in reserve.

The £25m addition from Burnley scored just two league goals in 17 appearances for the club after making the switch in the winter window, with the 30-year-old's signing already looking like a short-sighted and expensive mistake.

In need of an upgrade, turning to a young and hungry asset such as Hojlund could well be the ideal fit, with the former Copenhagen starlet having already proven himself something of a menace in front of goal in his embryonic career thus far.

Having netted five goals in 32 games in all competitions during his spell in his homeland, the Denmark U19 international was unsurprisingly snapped up by his current side in January, where he has since gone from strength to strength for the Austrian outfit.

The towering colossus - who has been dubbed "amazing" by talent scout Jacek Kulig - has already scored ten goals and provided three assists in just 18 games across all fronts for Sturm, including five goals in just six games in the 2022/23 season.

The £4.05m-rated powerhouse has already been described as "freezing cold" by his manager Christian Ilzer due to his finishing prowess, with Howe no doubt set to relish the chance to help improve such an explosive prospect.

In truth, Hojlund appears a real intriguing prospect who can be a feature at Newcastle for the long-term, while Wood - who has already faced doubts over his future at St James' Park - looks likely to be a mere short-term fix.