Diaby and Szoboszlai have already outlined why…

Diaby and Szoboszlai have already outlined why Champions League is crucial to Howe's summer vision

Eddie Howe wants 'elite' and 'marquee' signings at Newcastle United - and the Magpies may just get them this summer after securing a top-four finish.

One name that has refused to go away in recent months is Moussa Diaby. The Bayer Leverkusen flyer, who has attracted major interest from Europe's top teams after some stellar performances in the Bundesliga, piqued the interest of Newcastle last summer.

Should Howe be in the market for a right-midfielder this summer, Newcastle could do a lot worse than pushing the boat out to bring the French international to Tyneside. After all, the 23-year-old has previously spoken out about wanting Champions League football on a regular basis.

"[Leaving PSG] doesn't stop me from being ambitious," Diaby said previously. "My objective is to play in the Champions League every year.

"That's not a given in Leverkusen, but it's something we've got to aim for. The pressure matches give me the added motivation to show what I am capable of and then aim even higher, and if I were to win titles, that would be a huge reward."

Another Bundesliga star catching the eye of late is Dominik Szoboszlai, the RB Leizpig midfielder linked with a move elsewhere. The Hungary captain has done little to play down speculation of a summer departure, with his release clause of £60m causing a stir.

"We still have three games. For those three games I'm definitely still at RB Leipzig. I want to play in the Champions League," Szoboszlai responded when quizzed over his immediate future.

Newcastle's top four achievement will benefit them greatly financially, undoubtedly improve morale among the Geordie faithful and give some players a chance to achieve their dreams. But it will also significantly open doors when it comes to attracting potential superstars to St James' Park... something Howe wants to do this summer.

“Yes, there would be players we’d love to bring in that would be classified in that bracket [as a marquee signing], I’m sure," he said on Friday. “For me, it’s more about the role they can fulfil in the team – whether that’s viewed positively or as a marquee signing, then great.

There has also been talk of Declan Rice, James Maddison and Kieran Tierney as Newcastle look to fight on all four fronts next term. It's safe to say the Magpies have a much better chance of landing each of the trio after securing a spot in Europe's premier competition.

Diaby and Szoboszlai have already outlined why Champions League is crucial to Howe's summer vision

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