Striker transfer seen as inevitable as Parma await Everton & Newcastle bidding war

Everton and Newcastle United could ignite a bidding war in the race to sign an attacking star this summer, who just enjoyed an excellent breakout season.

Newcastle edge closer to Munoz deal

Newcastle aren’t letting anyone forget that they’ve got money to spend following the £69m sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona earlier this month. The Magpies have already edged closer to landing an instant replacement in the form of Victor Munoz, and may not be stopping there with a medical planned.

The Osasuna man, who has been called up to the World Cup with Spain, has plenty of potential and looks like he could be on his way to St James’ Park sooner rather than later.

He’ll be part of an extensive attacking rebuild, which could also include arrivals such as Dusan Vlahovic. The Juventus man is out of contract later this month and that has sparked a hectic transfer race between Premier League sides.

Whilst Newcastle are enjoying a busy start, however, Everton are still looking to land their first signing of the summer. The Toffees were in touching distance of European qualification last season and will know how important this summer will be as they look to bridge that gap.

They’ve got plenty of names on their radar themselves, too. Recent reports have claimed that they’re interested in Ayase Ueda, who scored 25 goals for Feyenoord last season, and they’re also set to rival Newcastle for another attacking star.

Everton battle Newcastle to sign Serie A star

As reported by Sport Parma in Italy, Everton and Newcastle are now plotting moves to sign Mateo Pellegrino this summer.

Parma are welcoming a bidding war and hope to reach a fee of €30m, which would be 15 times more than the €2m they paid for his signature in January 2025, and there is a feeling this is the ‘right time for him to leave’.

As things stand, Parma’s asking price is too much for Serie A rivals to reach but well within the range of Premier League suitors.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a solid campaign in Italy last season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions. At a time when both Everton and Newcastle are in need of a goalscorer, he could be a surprise option.

Parma CEO Federico Cherubini recently addressed the situation surrounding Pellegrino’s future, telling reporters: “We know there are many interests, but we are in no hurry.”

His stance could also suggest that the club are willing to wait for that interest to grow up to the point that the bidding commences, hiking the price of the forward in the process.

Read next: Newcastle now ‘very close’ to £35m signing