Newcastle United have been linked with both Adama Diakhaby and Jonathan Cafu – but they could join Monaco and Rennes.
It’s fair to say Newcastle United’s summer has taken a while to get going.
However, with French defender Florian Lejeune finally arriving from Eibar, it appears that The Magpies are belatedly making their mark in the transfer market with reports suggesting they will now step up their recruitment drive.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
The publication claimed late last month that Rennes attacker Adama Diakhaby had caught Benitez’s eye after a promising breakthrough season in Ligue 1. The 21-year-old, who can play on either flank and through the middle, scored five goals in all competitions in 2016/17.
And the report added that a bid from Newcastle was imminent. However, L’Equipe now claim that Diakhaby is in negotiations with Monaco. And the France Under-21 international is understood to be keen on a move to the principality.
It’s no wonder really, considering Monaco seized the Ligue 1 title by playing some of the most thrilling attacking football in Europe, all the while launching the careers of countless rising stars.
And, just to make matters worse for Newcastle, L’Equipe add that Rennes have identified Jonathan Cafu as a replacement for Diakhaby. The Brazilian forward, whose 14 goals fired Ludogorets Razgrad to the Bulgarian title last season, was a £10 million target for Newcastle, according to SportWitness.
Jonathan Cafu scored against Arsenal in last season’s Champions League
However, missing out on Diakhaby could mean Cafu also slips through The Magpies grasp.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
