Habib Diallo could be a striker in demand this summer following an impressive season with Strasbourg and Newcastle United are one of a number of Premier League clubs linked
Habib Diallo has been linked to Newcastle United and a host of their Premier League rivals on the back of a sensational season with Strasbourg. The Senegal international netted 20 goals in Ligue 1 last season, with recent reports suggesting Brentford were considering a £15 million move for the striker to cover for Ivan Toney’s absence.
Newcastle are set to complete the blockbuster transfer of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali in the coming days. The Italy international has already agreed terms on a six-year contract at St James’ Park, and attention will now turn to other areas of the pitch.
Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both finished the season in fine form, with the latter ending as Newcastle’s top scorer with his career-best return of 18 Premier League goals. However, Eddie Howe is said to be open to the prospect of bringing in a third striker to add depth to the squad due to the upcoming challenge and demands posed by the Champions League.
Joelinton is capable of deputising up front, as is January recruit Anthony Gordon and Allan Saint-Maximin. However, Diallo’s name has been put to the Magpies head coach, and former Strasbourg boss Frederic Antonetti had nothing but praise for the 28-year-old.
Antonetti, who left his role with the Ligue 1 side following the club’s takeover this week, dismissed suggestions Diallo was merely enjoying a purple patch this season. The striker had a combined total of 20 league goals from his first two seasons with the club, but finished sixth in the Ligue 1 goalscoring charts in the latest campaign after doubling this tally.
Diallo scored after only 40 seconds in the home encounter with Nice in May, and added a second following the interval to seal an important 2-0 win for the hosts. Speaking to reporters following the full-time whistle, Antonetti re-iterated his confidence in the striker to consistently deliver.
The former Strasbourg boss said: “Habib Diallo is simply confirming his good season and all the good things everyone thinks of him. I told you on Thursday [at the pre-match press conference] that he was reliable, and he’s proved it again.”
Tino Livramento appears to be the Magpies’ immediate transfer priority, with talks ongoing over a move for the Southampton full-back which could include Ryan Fraser moving the other way. However, United are set to weigh up whether to move for a third striker, and Diallo has certainly caught the eye of several Premier League sides.
