An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are eyeing up a deal to sign the USA international as they look to bolster their squad before the deadline next month.

The report claims that they have asked to remain informed on the winger's availability in an attempt to take advantage of Chelsea's potential willingness to allow him to leave.

It is claimed that he is one of four players they are looking at, with Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, and Callum Hudson-Odoi emerging as targets.

Miguel Almiron upgrade

By snapping up a deal to sign Pulisic from Chelsea, Newcastle could land an upgrade on their current right winger Almiron.

Eddie Howe wanted to turn the Magpies into a pressing team last season and the wingers are a key part of any press because they close down the options out wide and can force the play centrally, allowing the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to step in.

Both players are good in this area as Pulisic -  who has been dubbed “amazing” by Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta - has averaged 19.65 pressures per 90 over the last 365 days, whilst Almiron has averaged 22.15.

This shows that there is not a huge difference in their ability to press the opposition, with both of them sitting above the average for pressures per 90 in their position in Europe's top five leagues.

It is in possession where Pulisic could be a big upgrade on Almiron for the Magpies. The Paraguay international has struggled to deliver in the final third throughout his time at Newcastle - scoring 14 goals and assisting five in 125 competitive appearances.

Meanwhile, the £150k-per-week American forward has found the back of the net 25 times and assisted 19 in 117 games for Chelsea to date. This includes 19 goals and ten assists in 76 Premier League matches, whilst he has also scored 21 goals in 50 caps for his country - leading to Frank Khalid dubbing him a "national hero".

These statistics suggest that the forward, who suits the club's pressing style, has the potential to make a greater impact than Almiron in terms of goals and assists, whilst he is also five years younger than him and has the scope to develop further.

Therefore, he would be an upgrade on Howe's current right winger because of his similar pressing quality and his room to improve whilst already offering a great deal more threat in the final third in English football.