Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Friday, August 5.
Werner price tag
German outlet Bild claims Chelsea will accept £27million for flop Timo Werner. Reports have linked Newcastle as a possible destination for the 26-year-old, who has failed to deliver in West London.
Werner arrived from RB Leipzig as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe but his goalscoring exploits have not been replicated in England. In two seasons, the German international has bagged 23 goals in 89 appearances.
His former side are another club linked with rescuing him from Stamford Bridge. Sky Germany insists Leipzig “are confident” Werner will return as the Blues aim to free up funds.
Maddison ‘ploy’
Graeme Bailey - journalist at 90min - is sceptical over Newcastle’s attempt to sign James Maddison. On the Talking Transfers podcast, he suggests links to the Magpies could be fabricated to force Tottenham Hotspur’s attention.
As well as Newcastle, North London rivals Spurs and Arsenal have been linked to the Leicester City midfielder.
“Maddison’s already on good wages,” Bailey said. “To get him to Newcastle, you’re going to have to make him the highest-paid player at the club.
“This Maddison move, for me, doesn’t fit into what Newcastle have been doing this summer. I’m not even sure he’s an Eddie Howe-type player, either. I don’t see him going to Newcastle.
“I think this is a ploy somewhere, maybe to get a big new contract or to try and get Tottenham’s interest piqued to see if they will come out from the bushes and make the move.”
Leeds enter Dieng race
Leeds United are challenging West Ham and Newcastle in the race to sign the “next” Sadio Mane. Marseille forward Bamba Dieng enjoyed a fine breakout season in Ligue 1 last year, bagging seven goals in 25 appearances.
Senegal rewarded the 22-year-old with his international debut in October before helping his nation reach the AFCON final - losing on penalties. European reports claim Dieng rejected a move to Tyneside earlier this year but that has not stopped Leeds’ interest.
Similar to Mane, he can play up front as well as on either wing. Newcastle have already wasted valuable time pursuing one Ligue 1 prospect - Hugo Ekitike - so will be cautious of getting egg on their face again.
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