Newcastle United are one of a host of clubs interested in signing Kasimpasa forward Mbaye Diagne, according to Tutto Mercato.
The Senegalese striker has struck 20 goals in 17 matches in the Turkish Super Lig this season, and is attracting widespread attention.
The Magpies are named as one of the English clubs who has registered an interest in the 27-year-old, with West Ham, Wolves, and Fulham also thought to be monitoring him.
Real Betis and Sevilla in Spain, and Lille and Nice in France are also named in the report as considering swoops.
The forward spent two years on the books of Juventus, but left the Italian champions in 2015 having failed to make a senior appearance for the club.
Good move for Newcastle?
Diagne’s strike rate speaks for itself. 20 goals in 17 league matches is a formidable record, and the Turkish Super Lig is of a high enough standard to suggest that he could be the real deal. The Toon Army need goals this January, and they may have to think outside the box to secure them. The chances of sizeable investment being given to Rafa Benitez this winter are minimal, and he may have to operate on a shoestring if he wants to keep his team in the league. Diagne wouldn’t necessarily be available on the cheap, but he could cost a lot less than other, less prolific options.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
As the reports details, Newcastle are far from the only side interested in the forward, and that could be a real stumbling block should it come down to a bidding war. The Magpies can’t afford to go toe to toe with a club like West Ham even, and that’s a damning indictment of the Ashley era. The fact that Diagne would be an almost guaranteed starter on Tyneside could give United the edge over some of their rivals, but hopes of securing a deal must remain slim.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10