While patience has been a virtue for Newcastle Untied in the PIF era, it seems a decision has now been made.
Moussa Diaby has constantly been linked with a move to St James’ Park pretty much since the takeover.
Given the fact Newcastle have waited to sign Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon across multiple windows before getting a deal over the line, waiting for Diaby hardly looked out of the ordinary.
Until now.
Newcastle pull out of Moussa Diaby deal but eye up alternative
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have pulled their interest in Diaby.
Despite the frequent links, the French international is reportedly no longer considered a leading target.
Instead, the club have turned attentions to Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao.
The young forward, who has scored nine goals and registered six assists in 32 games this season, is believed to have a release clause in his contract worth around £50m.
Wide forwards appear to be on the agenda this summer
Williams, who has hailed as an “incredible” talent by his brother Inaki (via Ghana Web) is the latest wide forward to have been linked with Newcastle.
Though, clearly, a number of players will be touted as a target ahead of the transfer window, it appears to be a position in which the club are looking to strengthen.
Barcelona forward Raphinha has been another name mentioned with Eddie Howe seemingly wanting an upgrade on his current options.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s future has been called into question and the club are yet to see the best of Gordon. With that in mind, moves for players of that profile make sense, even if Miguel Almiron has enjoyed his best season to date.
With Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak doing the business through the middle, bringing goals in from out wide looks a logical next step.