Miguel Almiron, as good as he has been this season, has clouded Newcastle United's priorities in the transfer market. Talk of a new winger has evaporated despite being billed as a neccesity last summer.
Nine goals in 18 games is as impressive a return as any Toon wideman has managed in recent years. But go beyond that, and Eddie Howe is desperately lacking options…
Allan Saint-Maximin is a magician of a footballer on his day but cannot be trusted to stay fit all season. Even now, with the French maverick back from injury, he is struggling to force his way into Howe’s plans.
READ MORE: Newcastle undone after stadium spy mission and Sheffield Wednesday boss reveals what Howe said
Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy are not good enough to bear the burden should an injury crisis occur. Both players have spent years on Tyneside, playing 186 games between them and managing nine goals in return.
For context, reported target Moussa Diaby has scored 34 more than the pair combined - in 40 fewer appearances. German outlet Bild is suggesting the 23-year-old remains a Toon target following interest last summer.
A £50million price tag proved a key stumbling block in the deal and it is unclear if Bayer Leverkusen have lowered their demands. Diaby endured a difficult start to the campaign before rediscovering his magic touch before the World Cup break.
Four goals in his previous three appearances demonstrated the ruthless streak that made him a Newcastle target to begin with. Capable of playing on either flank, signing a winger of Diaby’s calibre would offer fresh impetus to Howe’s attack.
Take Liverpool, for example, as a rival club with talent in abundance from their bench. Cody Gakpo’s arrival compliments Mohammed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino should Jurgen Klopp’s plan A fail.
By contrast, Howe had Murphy, Fraser and Chris Wood in reserve when trailing to Sheffield Wednesday. The latter missed a howler late on that would have been gobbled up by any of Liverpool’s offensive players.
In the likely event that European football - in one form or another - is achieved this season, the Magpies must improve their squad depth. Newcastle failed to do this in 2011-12 under Mike Ashley and it almost cost the club its Premier League status.
As it stands, United are a few injuries away from surrendering their top-four ambitions. A signing of Diaby’s ilk would give Howe a positive selection dilemma - exactly what is needed to maintain the current momentum.
READ NEXT
Newcastle rocked, brutal Chris Wood moment and owners given huge transfer eye-opener - 5 things
Eddie Howe reveals men behind Newcastle's 'streetwise' transformation that left Arsenal fuming
Eddie Howe's top response to Arsenal and Liverpool moans as Newcastle boss stands up to Arteta
Everything Eddie Howe said at his press conference
Eddie Howe and Newcastle se nd message to fuming Mikel Arteta as Lascelles winds Arsenal up
