Chelsea legend John Terry believes Diego Costa would 'strengthen' any side in the Premier League.
The Brazilian is currently a free agent after leaving Atletico Mineiro in 2021.
Aged 33, Costa had been linked with a move to St. James' Park on a short term contract since the completion of the Saudi takeover.
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While there have been no reports of any concrete interest from Newcastle, the Magpies now appear to have missed their chance to land the free agent, given their 25-man Premier League squad is locked in.
And Terry, who played alongside Costa at Stamford Bridge, tweeted: "I can’t believe Diego Costa hasn’t been signed by a premier league club ? This man is a winner and would make any team stronger."
More bad news on Callum Wilson's injury, means Eddie Howe's side will be reliant on Chris Wood as the main source of goals.
Howe has revealed he does not expect to see Callum Wilson until the last "few games" of the season.
Wilson himself has spoken of his surprise that Newcastle did not sign a striker in the last throes of the January window.
Should anything happen to the New Zealand international, the Magpies will be very short up front.
Costa scored 52 goals in the Premier League during his stint with Chelsea, but there are question marks over his disciplinary record, which could have put the Magpies off.
Nonetheless, Terry would have given the signing his approval.
