Newcastle United willing to ‘break bank’ for transfer as James Maddison alternative emerges

Newcastle United are just days away from returning to action following the international break.

The Magpies are in the thick of a top four race, within two points of fourth place Tottenham and with two games in hand. Though, they have a difficult transition back into club football, facing a Manchester United side currently just three points better off St James’ Park this Sunday. Eddie Howe’s men have a big opportunity, but defeat will only blow the top four race wide open.

As Newcastle prepare for that one, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Diaby claim

Newcastle are said to be willing to splash the cash on Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby.

According to the Northern Echo, the Magpies are looking to land the winger in a bid to go one better than last summer when they could not pull off a deal. Leverkusen are said to want a fee of more than £88million to sell Diaby, and that would be a record-breaking fee for Newcastle should they pay that much.

Their current record signing is last summer’s signing Alexander Isak, who joined the club for around £63million.

Fee links

The Magpies are also said to be keen on FC Lorient midfielder Le Fee, but they are not alone.

According to 90min, Fulham are also eyeing the midfielder, who has established himself as a creative talent in Ligue 1. The report claims that Fulham, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham are all interested in the midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer of 2024.

The 23-year-old’s remaining contract length means there could be a deal to be done, and Newcastle would surely have an advantage given their financial situation, depending on what other big-money deals they pull off this summer. Fee could be an alternative amid links with creative midfielders such as James Maddison.