With Newcastle United yet to add another striker to their books this summer it has to be said the behaviour of £9.5million striker Albert Luque lately has been extremely interesting.
The former Deportivo la Coruna and Real Mallorca man netted over 50 goals in Spain’s La Liga but struggled badly to make an impact on Tyneside last term.
Dogged by injury, a loss of form and problems learning the English language - often relying on Nobby Solano as a translator - Luque at times looked a broken man on Tyneside.
He didn’t help himself when he left the field at the City of Manchester Stadium laughing and joking with Kiki Musampa in the final game of the Graeme Souness era as United were drubbed 3-0.
But it appears that Luque is fighting for another chance.
Netting at Sunderland during the fabulous 4-1 win on Wearside last season certainly did him no harm.
And after following it up with a great volley against Celtic at Gallowgate in Alan Shearer’s testimonial he at least headed for Spain with positive thoughts in his head.
Two goals in as many games during the pre-season period, against Lillestrom in the Inter’Toto and now PSV Eindhoven in Saturday’s friendly, have actually taken his tally to four goals in his last four games - but he still has much to prove to the Geordie public.
Luque says he will be a “different player� this term - and he has even masterminded some English - but the question is will it be in a black and white shirt?
With Roeder still keen to add to his frontline before the Premiership season kicks off and Shola Ameobi also displaying decent form, both at the end of last season and this pre-season, Luque could well find himself on the bench by the time Wigan arrive in Toon.
At almost £2.4million a goal (Friendly goals shouldn’t really count) Luque knows he has yet to show his full value.
But with the clock ticking towards the transfer deadline next month, can Luque somehow turn things round in a black and white shirt and force his way into the team?
Over to you Alberto!
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