Athletic reported on Friday that Newcastle are pursuing side deals for Sven Botman of Lille and Diego Carlos of Sevilla. Opening offers for both players were rejected, but Newcastle continued negotiations.
In that report, Monaco’s Benoit Baiashile has been singled out as a potential option if the move for Botman fails to gain traction. The mail now claim that Newcastle have opened the lines of communication with Monaco.
Botman and Carlos are still the main targets to strengthen the bottom line. However, it looks like Newcastle are probing Monaco to act quickly if Botman or Carlos’ pursuit is completely stopped.
Sardar azmoun– Newcastle reflect on offer for finisher
Newcastle are also now expected to push for two forwards in this window. It was confirmed after the 1-0 loss to Cambridge that Callum Wilson would be out for two more months due to his calf injury.
Alexander Isak or Real Sociedad have now been thrown into the mix. The Mail claim the 22-year-old is seen as the perfect complement. However, the player has a massive release clause and, like Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, may be a bridge too far.
After scoring 17 goals last season, Isak signed a new contract until 2026. Newcastle would therefore have to shell out £ 76.5million to meet his release clause. Arsenal are also stalking the Swedish international.
Newcastle have also been in contact with Marseille over their striker Bamba Dieng. The 21-year-old just signed a new long-term deal in December after joining the team for good last summer. He was loaned out last season.
Dieng is currently away from the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. He would be very happy in Marseille, who have no intention of selling their young striker in this window.
As previously reported, Sardar Azmoun of Zenit St. Petersburg remains a potential option. The Iranian is reportedly costing around £ 5million and has agreed personal terms with Lyon, whose £ 3million offer for the 27-year-old has yet to be accepted.
Azmoun is at the end of his contract this summer. He is known as a clinical finisher, whose absence was the downfall of Newcastle in our FA Cup loss on Saturday. However, the player has spent most of his career in Russia and therefore has not proven himself at the highest level.
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