Newcastle have been ‘offered’ the opportunity to sign former Lyon star Mariano Diaz, according to reports in France.
This comes from French outlet Jeunes Footeux, who claim that the Real Madrid forward has been offered in our direction after a poor season with the La Liga giants.
They report that we are ‘studying the possibility’ of bringing the striker to St James’ Park this summer. It’s claimed we are ‘visibly interested without making him a priority’ – so make of that what you will.
Diaz – or ‘Mariano’ based on the back of his shirt – scored just one goal in 22 appearances last season, with his record with Real Madrid standing at 11 goals in 62 games following a £19m move from Lyon three years ago.
He did impress during a spell with Lyon, however, bagging 21 goals and six assists in 48 appearances in France.
We are in desperate need of another option up top, with Callum Wilson and the unreliable Dwight Gayle our only senior centre forwards at the club.
That said, Diaz is 28 – meaning he may not fit into Mike Ashley’s buying policy – not to mention the fact Steve Bruce distanced ourselves from a move for another striker, suggesting he was in no rush to replace Andy Carroll after making midfield his top priority.
Nevertheless, it’s another new name linked. I have my doubts about this one, yet it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if we ended up using our overseas loan slot on a European striker struggling to get games.
