Newcastle United look to have missed out on striker Boulaye Dia, with reports claiming he is joining Villarreal.
The star is bound for the Spanish outfit, with RMC Sport stating an agreement is in place.
The transfer will supposedly be worth around £13 million (via GFFN).
That is a very good deal for Villarreal, who are signing a player who got 16 goals in all competitions last term.
Newcastle have often been linked with a move for Dia.
The Chronicle reported in November that Newcastle were on the 24-year-old’s tail.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle will be in the market for a new striker this summer.
Dwight Gayle is sticking around after signing a new deal, but Andy Carroll appears to have left on the expiry of his contract.
Steve Bruce’s other striker options are Callum Wilson and Joelinton.
A missed opportunity
Newcastle have really missed a trick with Dia.
To score 16 goals for a Reims side that struggled last term is an indicator of his quality.
This is a player that has been backed to reach the top by Sadio Mane, who said he was ‘really impressed by his qualities’ last year (via ligue1.com).
Clearly he has got a lot about him, and Newcastle’s backup options for Wilson are poor.
Newcastle’s loss appears to be the Europa League champions’ gain.
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