Habib Diallo is the latest name to emerge as a potential transfer target on Newcastle United's radar this window. The Strasbourg forward who netted 21 times last season is a name which has been put to Eddie Howe as the Magpies mull over another attacking recruit.
Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson spent the closing weeks of last term battling for the central striking role, with the record signing ultimately shifting to the left flank. However, Newcastle are understood to be weighing up the potential addition of another striker with Champions League football adding to the club's schedule.
Joelinton is capable of filling in up front, as are January recruit Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin. But that has not stopped Howe from considering whether or not to move for another specialist striker, with Diallo a potential contender for the role.
The Senegal international has racked up 41 goals in 103 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit so far, with a host of Premier League clubs linked with the 28-year-old. Brentford were reported to be negotiating over a prospective £15 million switch last month, while Burnley, Sheffield United and West Ham have also been credited with an interest.
READ MORE: Newcastle United set for intriguing striker search with transfer window set to heat up in July
Diallo earned his move to Strasbourg in 2020 on the back of a five-year spell with FC Metz. The striker's former coach Vincent Hognon was resigned to losing the player after following a return of 26 goals in a promotion-winning campaign from Ligue 2 with 12 strikes in France's top-flight in the 2019/2020 season.
Discussing Diallo ahead of his transfer to Strasbourg, Hognon told reporters: "He's a guy with every quality going. You know how much I love him.
"I'm surprised he hasn't found a club matching his stature. I see his quality in his movement, the way he keeps the ball, in a huge amount of things."
Chris Wood played a vital if brief role in helping to guide Newcastle to safety following his arrival in January 2022, with the New Zealand international's hold-up play lauded despite netting just five times in black-and-white. Judging by Hognon's recommendations and a 20-goal season last time out, Diallo could be the man to provide a focal point once again while also providing goals.
