Report: Ashworth tried to bring ‘extraordinary’ South American star to Newcastle, contract’s up next year

Fri 2 September 2022 19:15, UK

Newcastle United enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window, bringing in four signings and breaking their transfer record.

The Magpies landed Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope early on, before landing the incredibly exciting Alexander Isak.

Newcastle were incredibly busy during the summer, with publishing a piece about how they fared in the transfer window.

In July, the Magpies were reportedly eyeing Harvey Barnes, Benjamin Sesko, Porto’s Pepe, Goncalo Ramos, Carney Chukwuemeka and Maxwel Cornet.

The Athletic reported that Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson even travelled to Brazil to watch Santos prodigy Angelo Gabriel in action.

And in mid-August, Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth apparently called Blackburn Rovers to ask about Ben Brereton Diaz.

Newcastle failed to land the 23-year-old in the end, but with his contract expiring next summer, they could well try again next year.

Brereton Diaz has developed into one of the best strikers outside the English top flight.

He registered an impressive and three assists from 37 Championship outings in 2021-22.

Last season, Tony Mowbray told : “Brereton with the ball at his feet is an extraordinary talent.

“He’s a wonderful footballer who can dribble with both feet, take people out of the game.”

Brereton Diaz has hit the ground running this season too, with three goals and an assist in the Championship.

He is also an established Chile international, having played at the Copa America, and has four goals from 14 outings.

With Isak now at Newcastle, they may not need any more attacking options at this moment in time.

Nonetheless, if Brereton Diaz doesn’t renew his contract, the Magpies could well look at him again in January.

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