Newcastle's Move For German Striker Shrouded In Confusion

Will they or won't they? Are they or are they not? Newcastle's move for Pierre-Michel Lasogga was swept up in a maelstrom of confusion at the weekend leaving us wondering if we are intending to try and sign the promising German striker. On Saturday the Journal ran with a story claiming the Magpies had terminated their interest in Lasogga on account of Hertha Berlin slapping a £10 million price tag on his head - a valuation we knew the Club would be reluctant to meet for a player with zero Premier League experience. But that conflicts with the tale spun by the Northern Echo on Monday morning which implies that Newcastle still retain hope of bringing the Under-21 international to St James' Park this summer. It was allied by an encouraging quote from Hertha general manager Michael Preetz, who said: €œIt is only about three clubs; Hertha, Hamburg or Newcastle." Lasogga is due to make a decision on his future this week although, despite Preetz confirming that we're still in the running for his signature, it's unlikely he will be wearing a Black and White shirt next season. While he impressed on loan at Hamburg last season, netting 13 goals in 20 appearances for the Bundesliga strugglers, we can't envisage Mike Ashley giving his consent to the deal should managing director Lee Charnley fail to haggle down the 22-year-old's hefty price. Lasogga is clearly talented but would need time to adapt to the top-flight and we require a proven centre-forward to spearhead our attack next season.