Your Newcastle United transfer rumour round-up for Thursday, July 14.
Diaby over Isak
The Northern Echo claim Newcastle would prefer to sign Moussa Diaby to Alexander Isak. Both players are linked with big-money moves to Tyneside as Dan Ashworth and co look to bolster the attack.
A fee of around £50million has been mooted for each player - a figure that would shatter the Magpies’ transfer record. The report claims Toon chiefs discussed a move with Bayer Leverkusen over Diaby but refused to meet the club’s asking price.
Signing a striker and a wide player are priorities for Eddie Howe before the start of the season. Callum Wilson is seen as an adequate striker to lead the line but there are concerns over his poor injury record. As it stands, Chris Wood is the only first-team alternative as Dwight Gayle continues to train with the reserves.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak gives Newcastle record-breaking transfer dilemma amid club's Moussa Diaby refusal
Spurs youngster on Toon radar?
Italian outlet Tutto Mercato are reporting Newcastle will “snap up” Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga. The 23-year-old broke into the Spurs setup last season but a knee injury in January ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Ironically, AC Milan are also named as a rival for his signature - similar to £32million arrival Sven Botman. A loan-to-buy deal is what United will reportedly offer as Antonio Conte aims to trim his squad. The deal for Tanganga - who has represented England at every youth level - could total around £20million.
Zapata link re-emerges
The same media site suggests the Magpies will reignite their interest in Duvan Zapata. There was talk of a loan move for the Columbian in January before Newcastle spent £25million on Wood.
At 31-years-old, Zapata would not be a long-term option but his goal return is solid on the continent. He has bagged 79 goals in 162 games for Atalanta and Sampdoria to become one of Serie A’s most reliable strikers. However, paying a mooted £34million for a player on the wrong end of 30 may cool Newcastle’s interest.
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