REPORT: Newcastle, Chelsea And Liverpool Vying To Sign Spanish Teenager Who Could Be Sold For £13M

REPORT: Newcastle, Chelsea And Liverpool Vying To Sign Spanish Teenager Who Could Be Sold For £13M

Newcastle are one of three Premier League teams interested in signing Real Betis winger Assane Diao, according to Mucho Deporte.

The Spanish news outlet claims that the Magpies have “explored the possibility” of signing the teenager in recent weeks, along with Chelsea and Liverpool.

Diao has a contract that expires in 2027, and he has a release clause that currently stands at €30m (£26m). However, the winger could be available for half that price.

Mucho Deporte say there is a gentleman’s agreement which means that, if a €15m (£13m) offer is tabled, Betis would either have to accept the proposal or double the winger’s salary.

Newcastle may, therefore, be tempted to try their luck in January and see how receptive Betis are to selling Diao.

What do Newcastle fans need to know about the player?

Diao is still only 18 years of age and he made his senior debut for Betis in September, coming on as a substitute during the 1-0 defeat to Rangers in the Europa League.

Since then, the forward has made 9 more appearances for the first team, scoring 4 goals. Last month, Diao also made his first two appearances for Spain at Under 21 level.

Where would Diao fit into Eddie Howe’s team?

The Spaniard can play off both wings, despite being mainly right-footed, so he could be a very useful player for Newcastle to have in their squad.

Harvey Barnes has been sidelined with a foot injury for a number of months so manager Eddie Howe is having to rely mostly on Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy to provide the width.

The fact that Diao could be available for as little as €15m (£13m) would make him a realistic target for the Magpies in January, considering the limitations placed on them by Financial Fair Play.

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David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.