Newcastle told to pay ‘crazy money’ to sign sensation who nearly joined Brentford
Newcastle are interested in signing Como winger Assane Diao in the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 19-year-old is still raw but his potential has caught the eye of Newcastle’s scouts during his spell in Italy.
However, Como are not prepared to entertain offers for Diao unless “crazy money” is on the table, having signed him from Real Betis for a club-record £10million in January.
A new right-winger is now top of Eddie Howe’s list of targets this summer as the Magpies look to upgrade on Jacob Murphy following the sale of Miguel Almiron.
Football Insider revealed on 14 February that Newcastle will prioritise the signing of a winger after missing out on deals in the mid-season window.
Brentford came close to agreeing a deal for the winger last summer but could not get it over the line, before he made the move to Como in January.
Since his move to the Serie A outfit, managed by Cesc Fabregas, the Spaniard has scored five goals in nine league appearances and is attracting plenty of interest.
Eddie Howe assessing right-winger targets at Newcastle
A number of top-class right-wingers have been linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer, with PSV forward Johan Bakayoko on their list of options.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Newcastle want to sign Bryan Mbeumo and are prepared to meet Brentford’s asking price.
Newcastle scouts are also watching Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has emerged as one of their top targets after an impressive season at the Vitality.
Diao would represent a younger and less experienced option than their current list of targets, but would be considered one for the future given his potential.
| Byran Mbeumo | Antoine Semenyo | Johan Bakayoko | Assane Diao | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 31 | Appearances | 30 | Appearances | 36 | Appearances | 28 |
| Minutes Played | 2587 | Minutes Played | 2553 | Minutes Played | 2420 | Minutes Played | 1486 |
| Goals | 15 | Goals | 9 | Goals | 10 | Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 5 | Assists | 5 | Assists | 3 | Assists | 3 |
Assane Diao attracting interest after Como performances
Newcastle are not the only side keeping an eye on Diao’s progress this season, given his flying start to his Serie A career with Como.
The Magpies are keen to build and strengthen for the future, but their financial position has limited their activity in recent transfer windows and they are having to be selective with their moves.
As a result, any deal for the Spaniard is considered unlikely this summer, but they are prepared to keep an eye on his development ahead of a potential future move.
Fabregas’ Como side, meanwhile, are looking to build solid foundations for the future after an impressive first Serie A season following their promotion last time out.
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