Newcastle United have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moussa Diaby right at the top of their transfer shortlist this summer.
This is according to transfer guru Dean Jones, who has been writing about his latest understanding of the market on the Ranks FC Patreon page.
Eddie Howe’s side have had a difficult start to the summer window in their attempts to land new attacking reinforcements, with a move for Hugo Ekitike proving extremely frustrating.
The Toon had agreed on a fee with Reims for the young Frenchman, however, it seems a deal is now highly unlikely to materialise after complications with the player’s camp.
Having been left frustrated by the negotiations for Ekitike, Jones now believes Newcastle have Everton’s Calvert-Lewin and Bayer Leverkusen’s Diaby at the top of their list.
He said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin is right at top of the list along with Moussa Diaby. They have been careful not to overpay on players so far, but with these two, they might have to push the boat out.
“Bayer Leverkusen really do not want to lose Diaby as they think they have a shot at challenging Bayern and Dortmund next term.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
These are certainly two names we believe could improve Newcastle going into the new campaign, however, both hold their own difficulties in terms of bringing them in.
Who would you prefer at NUFC this summer?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Moussa Diaby
Calvert-Lewin had a torrid 2021/22 campaign through injury but still holds an impressive Premier League record, though his reported £60m asking price does feel like a huge obstacle.
And it is a similar issue with Diaby, as the Frenchman would also likely require a club-record fee to see Leverkusen allow him to depart this summer.
Newcastle have already spent just shy of £60m this summer and with a believed budget of £100m, the two reported targets would unlikely fit within that – or at least take up the remaining budget if players were sold to free up some funds. Especially as Calvert-Lewin and Diaby are both worth £60m each.