Newcastle United have got their summer rebuilding well underway after long-term target Sven Botman joined Matt Targett and Nick Pope in completing moves to St. James’ Park as the richest club in the world begin to spend their money.
With a goalkeeper and two defenders now through the door, Eddie Howe can begin directing his focus towards signing players at the other end of the pitch, with a reliable source of goals eyed for next season.
Mirror.co.uk takes a look at the stories and speculation out today about the club as Howe looks to add the finishing touches to his squad as they aim to fulfil the lofty ambitions of their Saudi backers.
Toon get encouragement for Diaby
Newcastle United might have a chance to sign Moussa Diaby this summer based on Simon Rolfes’ latest admission.
The Bayer Leverkusen sporting director has spoken abut the 22-year-old’s future and admitted the club might have to sell him.
Eddie Howe is keen to sign a right winger before the transfer window closes, and French international Diaby appears to be the Magpies’ top target.
Former Germany midfielder Rolfes has spoke to Sky Germany about Diaby and hopes he stays with the Bundesliga side. But he admitted: "When clubs with incredibly large financial opportunities bid for such a player, we have to sell a top player at some point.”
Speedy exit for Wood?
Chris Wood didn't set the world alight after joining Newcastle from Burnley in January. The striker cost £25million on £100k-a-week but only netted two goals in 17 league games. Now transfer insider Dean Jones says that Newcastle are to be offered another chance to sign Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, also known as Gabigol.
Mirror Football reported Newcastle's interest in the star in the January window and he could be back on Toon's radar this summer..
With 296 appearances to his name for Flamengo and his former clubs Santos, Inter Milan and Benfica, the Brazilian has scored 147 goals and delivered 41 assists along the way.
Toon told Victor Osimhen is 'dream signing'
It's been claimed that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is Newcastle United’s ‘dream signing’.
The Magpies are looking for a new striker this summer after a proposed deal for Hugo Ekitike collapsed. Plenty of names have been linked including Osimhen, who is an exciting young prospect in Italy. Nigerian striker Osimhen, 23, scored 18 goals last term for Italian club Napoli who came third in Serie A.
When asked about the truth behind the rumours linking Osimhen with Newcastle, Pete O’Rourke said: “Dream signing!
“It would be a real statement signing. We’re still really to see a huge marquee signing for Newcastle since the change of ownership, obviously did some good business in January and doing some good deals this summer as well.
“But, someone like a Victor Osimhen would be a marquee signing because he’s probably among the top strikers in Europe right now with a host of clubs chasing his signature.”
