Newcastle United
Premier League • England
Newcastle set sights on Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi as hefty Moussa Diaby price forces change in strategy
Newcastle United have reportedly been put off signing Moussa Diaby due to Bayer Leverkusen’s huge valuation of him, prompting the Magpies to pursue Callum Hudson-Odoi instead.
Eddie Howe now wants to bolster his wide options following deals for Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman. And according to a recent report from 90Min, there are three wingers on his list.
Diaby was named by that source as being the primary target. He is a full France international who managed 17 goals and 14 assists for Leverkusen last season.
Howe and Newcastle like the fact Diaby can play on the left, right, or down the middle if required.
90Min also put Everton’s Anthony Gordon and Chelsea man Hudson-Odoi on Newcastle’s radar.
The Sun provide more information about the Magpies’ hunt for a new wide attacker. They reveal Everton have told Newcastle that Gordon is going nowhere this summer, meaning he is no longer a transfer option.
Howe’s team have made initial contact with Leverkusen about Diaby’s availability. But he is integral to the German club and also has a contract which runs for another three years.
As such, Leverkusen are requesting a whopping £60million for him, which means Newcastle will likely steer clear.
Callum Hudson-Odoi raid comes into sight
The St James’ Park club are now set to pursue Hudson-Odoi as he appears the most achievable signing.
The Englishman likes to play as an out-and-out winger but is having to compromise at Stamford Bridge due to Thomas Tuchel using wing-backs instead.
Hudson-Odoi was used as a wing-back, or just behind the striker, last season as part of Tuchel’s 3-4-3 formation. But these aren’t his best positions and he could push for an exit as a result.
Raheem Sterling will soon join Chelsea in a £45million deal from Manchester City. He has more experience playing in different areas and will probably thrive alongside the likes of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
Does Raheem Sterling to Chelsea make sense?
Will Raheem Sterling be Todd Boehly's marquee summer signing?
Sterling’s arrival will see Hudson-Odoi fall down the pecking order at Chelsea, giving Newcastle the opportunity to sign him.
The Sun claim Chelsea will ‘listen to offers’ for the 21-year-old. However, it is not yet known what kind of bid the Blues will accept.
It will be a shame for Hudson-Odoi to end his association with Chelsea after coming through their academy.
But his influence on their first team is waning, rather than increasing, so an exit makes sense for all parties. And Newcastle are ready to snap him up.
Meanwhile, a report has detailed how much Sterling will earn once his move to Chelsea is completed.