This summer, Newcastle United have been in the market for a new forward to bolster Eddie Howe’s forward line ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Magpies have already signed Will Osula from Sheffield United in a deal rising to £15m – potentially ending the hunt for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton’s talisman was previously on the club’s shortlist, but would’ve set the Magpies back around the £40m mark with the Toffees needing the money to avoid a further breach of PSR.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries over the last couple of years, with Howe potentially taking a huge risk splashing that amount of cash on a player who could struggle to maintain his fitness over the course of a full season.
As a result, Newcastle could turn their attention to another forward who is set to leave his current side ahead of the start of the league season next weekend.
Newcastle could sign £17m talent this summer
In recent weeks, Newcastle have been named as one of the sides in the race to sign Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, after the Senegalese ace reiterated his desire to leave the Italian side.
His side were relegated from Serie A at the end of last season, with the 27-year-old wanting a move to the Premier League this summer. Howe’s side aren’t alone in the pursuit, with Brentford, Everton and West Ham United also admiring the forward who could be available for €20m (£17m) as a result of the relegation.
Dia’s boasted an impressive goal return in recent years despite Salernitana’s decline, scoring 20 goals over the last two years in Serie A.
He could follow in the footsteps of a Newcastle fan favourite who arrived at St James’ Park as an unknown quantity before leaving as a hero after his spell on Tyneside.
Why Dia could be Newcastle’s next Cisse
Back in January 2012, Newcastle announced the signing of striker Papiss Cisse from Bundesliga side Freiburg – with many fans unfamiliar with his name or what he was capable of.
However, he quickly introduced himself, impressing with his ability to create an opportunity out of nothing, scoring 13 goals in his first 14 appearances for the Magpies – including that wonder strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
