Newcastle United gossip: Toon enquire about wantaway Frenchman, Ex-striker linked with £8m return

Newcastle United are reportedly showing interest in Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Frenchman has reportedly been made available for transfer after “irregular performances” during his three years at the Mestalla.

Under contract until 2023, Diakhaby, 24, hopes to leave “sooner rather than later” as he aims to kickstart his career elsewhere.

And as per AS, a switch to the Premier League is a possibility with Leicester and Newcastle said to have asked about his situation.

Ex-Toon striker wanted by Premier League duo

Southampton and Norwich City are heading the race to sign former Newcastle striker Adam Armstrong, the Daily Mail reports.

The 24-year-old is in line to seal a return to the Premier League this summer after scoring 29 goals for Blackburn Rovers last term.

Whilst other publications have linked the Magpies to a move for their academy graduate, the Saints and Norwich are viewed as the main contenders.

Rovers prefer to keep Armstrong but with just one year remaining on his contract, this will likely be their last chance to cash in.

Indeed, United stand to profit from any potential sale after inserting a reported 40% sell-on clause when he was sold to the Ewood Park club for £1.75million in 2018.

The fee, however, is now being quoted as £8m, a significant drop on previous figures mentioned.

‘That’s Steve Bruce’s first phone call’ – pundit

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan believes Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock will be Steve Bruce’s first port of call, if reports of his £50m ‘war chest’ are true.

The Sun claimed Bruce is set to be handed that amount to spend by owner Mike Ashley, and the Toon head coach has made no secret of his desire to sign Willock permanently.

He told Football Insider: “If that’s accurate, that’s Bruce’s first phone call.

“They need fresh faces and hungry players. He’s definitely one of them. He’s shown that appetite to go out from Arsenal.

“He’s shown Arsenal what they are missing and showing Newcastle what they could have.

“He’s got energy, he can get goals, he’s always positive. But they need more than that.”