Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin are set to finish the season as Newcastle’s most potent attackers in all competitions, with the duo having been directly involved in ten and nine strikes respectively. Despite the pair having performed so well this season, Steve Bruce is reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Grady Diangana, the West Ham winger who spent this season on loan with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship. However, the Magpies manager must focus on improving other areas of the squad before bringing in the 22-year-old forward.
Given how Newcastle have struggled to for consistency in front of goal this term, and that Andy Carroll and Joelinton have two strikes between them in 3252 minutes of top-flight action, it may be sensible for Bruce to prioritise a move for a centre forward this summer. Dwight Gayle has impressed since the restart registering three goals, but it is unlikely he will prove to be the solution at striker, as his best tally in the Premier League is seven goals, recorded back in 2013/14.
Meanwhile another critical are which requires recruitment is left back. With Jetro Willems and Danny Rose both arriving on loan this term, once they return to their parent squads, Bruce will have no natural left-sided defenders at his disposal, though Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie can cover. Keeping one of the pair on a permanent deal may be the solution to the problem and Rose would reportedly only cost £5m. Still, it would eat into the Magpies manager’s transfer kitty, which is reportedly just £30m, Daily Telegraphy via Shields Gazette.
Diangana would be a great addition to the side, as the 22-year-old Englishman has impressed in the second tier this term, scoring eight and assisting a further six goals. However, considering that two of Bruce’s best performers have been wide men and there are other areas in the squad which desperately require investment, he may want to look elsewhere first.
If Newcastle do have enough of their budget remaining to compete for Diangana’s signature after they have sourced a solution to the left back and centre forward issues, then they should not hesitate to move for the 22-year-old. Although there will likely be stiff competition, with Ajax, Celtic and Everton also interested, meaning he may be out of reach once the rest of the squad has been improved.
