Newcastle United are now fully up and running with their summer transfer window as long-term target Sven Botman joined Matt Targett and Nick Pope in completing moves to St. James’ Park this month, as the richest club in the world begin to spend their money.
And with a goalkeeper and two defenders now through the door, Eddie Howe will begin directing his focus towards signing players at the other end of the pitch, with a reliable source of goals eyed for next season.
According to reports, the Magpies are ‘plotting’ a £110m double swoop for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, as Howe looks to add the finishing touches to his squad.
Calvert-Lewin is Newcastle's prime striker target and the Magpies have a longstanding interest in the England international, despite the 25-year-old falling below expectations last season as Everton narrowly avoided the drop with one game to spare.
Injury hampered Calvert-Lewin’s progress last season, limiting him to just 18 appearances in all competitions in which he recorded five goals and two assists, but it is believed that he can regain his form by spearheading Newcastle ’s attack for next season under Howe.
But the Magpies have been quoted £60m for the Toffee striker, as previously revealed by the Telegraph, and although Everton are in desperate need of money, they may be reluctant to sell him following Richarlison’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur. Nonetheless, the Magpies are expected to move forward with negotiations.
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And whether or not Calvert-Lewin arrives on Tyneside this summer, Newcastle are also looking to complement their frontline with the addition of Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, who has gained plenty of attention across Europe this year following an outstanding 2021/22 campaign.
The winger played a huge part in his side’s third-place Bundesliga finish and run to the UEFA Europa League Last 16, as he recorded 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 games in all competitions, leaving the German outfit desperate to cling onto him over the summer.
However, a price point between £40-50m might be enough to take him to Newcastle, with Diaby said to be a huge target for the Magpies this summer. Should that be the case, then this move would be a real statement of intent as they continue their monumental rise.
Should the Magpies pull off both signings, then it may well conclude the last of their spending this summer, which would see them exceed the £100m mark, although funds from player sales may have to contribute towards one of those fees in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
Elsewhere, it has also been reported by Caught Offside that Newcastle remain interested in signing Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, although an agreement between the two sides is yet to come about as both clubs are some way apart in their valuations for the player.
Leeds’ asking price is rumoured to be £30m, according to the Telegraph, and with Raphinha set to depart Elland Road this summer, it is unlikely that they will want to sell Harrison as well, meaning that Newcastle will have to reevaluate their offer if they want to sign him.
