Newcastle United have cooled their interest in Mohammed Kudus. According to Football Insider, Eddie Howe isn’t fully convinced by the midfielder’s consistency and doesn’t appear eager to splash £85 million to activate his release clause. Unless West Ham are willing to talk discounts, the Magpies will probably look elsewhere.

Howe Not Convinced

Former West Ham and Manchester United scout Mick Brown has had his say, claiming Howe’s main concern is Kudus’s inconsistency.

“Eddie Howe wants players who give you consistent performances, and he doesn’t do that,” Brown told Football Insider. “He’s a very talented player, but Newcastle are concerned he doesn’t show it often enough. He can drift out of games and sometimes it feels like you’re down to ten men.”

That might be the view from outside. But if you’ve been watching Kudus at the London Stadium, you’ll know that’s a bit harsh. He ended last season with five goals and four assists in 35 appearances. That’s hardly disappearing, especially given the tactical mess surrounding the team at times.

West Ham’s Stance: Still Selling?

Back in May, there were whispers about interest from Saudi clubs, but Kudus wasn’t keen. Staying in Europe was his priority, and that probably suited West Ham too… at least when it comes to keeping his value high.

That same report suggested the club wouldn’t be entirely against cashing in, particularly with Graham Potter expected to shape his squad to fit his own style. Mick Brown again claimed the Hammers have “other targets” in mind and could be open to offers.

But listening to bids is one thing. Letting go of a 23-year-old with Champions League experience and real star quality is quite another. If Potter’s serious about a more attacking game, Kudus feels more like a key piece than someone you move on from.

Newcastle Looking Elsewhere

While all this is going on, Newcastle seem more interested in Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga. They’ve already opened talks after a £35 million bid was turned down last summer. Now, Forest reportedly want £50 million.

If they’re ready to pay that for Elanga, it really says something about how they view Kudus—or don’t. But honestly, that’s Newcastle’s issue.

West Ham should stand firm. Kudus has match-winning talent that doesn’t come cheap. In a squad still searching for identity, he brings something unexpected, a bit of magic. That’s a quality Potter could build a team around, not one he should be planning to ship out.