Newcastle United are exploring options to bring in another striker this summer with Eddie Howe keen to boost his forward line.
The Magpies did not replace New Zealand forward Chris Wood when he left to join Nottingham Forest in January. And with that deal now pushed through Newcastle are considering who will provide cover for the likes of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
Newcastle, of course, can use Joelinton in a striker role if need be and Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson can also fit into a front three in various positions. But in terms of an out-and-out forward, Newcastle could be in trouble if number 9 Wilson or Sweden star Isak get hurt in what will be a demanding campaign.
Strasbourg's Habib Diallo - who got 21 goals last season is a name that has been put to Eddie Howe in recent times with the 28-year-old part of the same agency that look after the Newcastle boss. Ferran Torres of Barcelona has also been linked while Matheus Franca of Flamengo is another believed to have been on a list of possible deals.
READ MORE: James Maddison stance at Newcastle United was always clear as Spurs pay over odds
A younger forward who can provide cover and is prepared to fight for his place would certainly fit the bill for Newcastle. But behind the scenes, Howe is open-minded and ambitious on recruitment possibilities given the hard work put in by his scouting team and head of UK scouting Andy Howe.
Chronicle Live revealed in April that head of recruitment Steve Nickson had spent time in Brazil to look at options with his array of South American contacts. As things stand, Newcastle are set to announce the arrival of Sandro Tonali and are working on defensive deals.
But no stone is being left unturned, and with the window starting to move already, things are expected to gather pace at St James' Park in good time before the first Premier League game. Howe is still keen to finalise plans that will see him have the luxury of "two XIs" with Champions League football now on the horizon.
A clutch of three-game weeks will put Howe's squad to the ultimate test next term. For all the talk about budgets, Newcastle will look to free up finances with the departure of a number of senior players including Ryan Fraser, Javier Manquillo, Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden.
