Double Newcastle United transfer swoop leads to uncertainty after ‘playing time’ plea

However, just 124 minutes of Premier League football – the amount he received last term – won’t be enough for the player if repeated next season. “I just need playing time to show what I can do,” Osula admitted last month during a fine spell for Denmark’s Under-21s.

“It means something to me. I already know. Only myself and my father know what I can do. When playing time comes, everyone will see what I can do on the pitch.”

Those calls were echoed by U21 boss Steffen Hojer, who has called on Howe to give the attacker what he wants. This, at a time when Newcastle are actively seeking to add additional competition in Osula’s area of the pitch.

After missing out on Bryan Mbeumo, the Magpies have turned their attention to Nottingham Forest flyer Anthony Elanga. Coincidentally, Osula has been spending his summer break with the Newcastle transfer target, adding to the speculation a move could be in the offing.

Then there is the fascinating scenario around who plays backup to Alexander Isak through the middle next season. After missing out on Joao Pedro, who joined Chelsea on Wednesday, is Osula the man to essentially play second fiddle to the goalscoring Swede?

Current evidence suggests probably not, with the £10m man only finding the net once in the Premier League to date. Yet the arrival of a central striker, to replace Callum Wilson, would again point to limited minutes for Osula when the new campaign rolls around.

The youngster will not return to pre-season training next week due to his recent international exploits, with the player set to link up with his co-stars later this month. Osula must then attempt to use trips to Singapore and South Korea to stake a claim for a starting spot going forward.

A loan deal is not completely off the table but as it stands Howe is hopeful of keeping the attacker at the club beyond the summer given the fact United are once again fighting on four fronts next season. Osula, on a personal level, is also keen to remain at St James’ Park.

With irons in the fire for attacking reinforcements both through the middle and on the right of Howe’s attack, the game time Osula is clearly craving may not prove forthcoming in the near future.

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