Reported target Moussa Dembele would already be at Newcastle if Steve Bruce got his way

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Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Moussa Dembele.

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies could make a move to sign the 25-year-old striker from Lyon.

Dembele joined the Ligue 1 side in 2018, costing £19.7million from Celtic. After excelling in Scotland, he proved to be just as big a hit in France.

In his first season with Lyon, Dembele scored 20 goals in all competitions. He did even better the following year, scoring 24 times.

Midway through his second season with Lyon, there was talk of a move away from the Stade des Lumieres. In fact, Newcastle were reportedly keen to sign the striker branded as ‘exceptional’ by Pep Guardiola in 2016.

Steve Bruce wanted Moussa Dembele at Newcastle

In January 2020, Steve Bruce was halfway through his first season as Toon boss. Things were going okay, but goals were a real issue. The £40million arrival of Joelinton wasn’t going to plan.

When the transfer window opened, Bruce wanted owner Mike Ashley to splash the cash. And according to the Daily Star, he wanted to bring Dembele to St James’ Park. It was reported that he would ‘love’ to sign the Frenchman.

A move seemed fanciful at the time. And in the end, it didn’t happen. Instead, Newcastle signed Danny Rose, Nabil Bentalab and Valentino Lazaro on loan.

It was another example of Ashley being unwilling to pay the money needed to help the club progress.

But that isn’t an issue now. With October’s takeover, we have the financial power to make a real splash in January. And we desperately need it.

While we need to improve defensively, an additional striker wouldn’t go amiss.

Bruce wanted Dembele two years ago but didn’t get him. Now he’s linked again, and he’d still be a magnificent signing.