Newcastle look to hijack Aston Villa move for £50m LaLiga star as Howe turns back on another target

Newcastle have reportedly added Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams to their transfer shortlist, and have knocked Bayer Leverkusen attacker Moussa Diaby off it. 

Williams has been the subject of interest from Aston Villa, while Arsenal have also considered a move for him in the past. However, he will not be a cheap addition.

Eddie Howe has made no secret that he wants to add ‘elite’ players to his Newcastle squad ahead of next season. So, it will be interesting to see if they make a concrete offer for Williams.

Indeed, the Magpies have been linked with moves for the likes of Declan Rice, Raphinha and even Neymar recently, which shows Howe is already preparing for the Champions League.

Now, as per a report from the Daily Mail, Newcastle are eyeing a move for Williams – one of the most exciting young players in LaLiga.

The 20-year-old has scored six goals and made five assists in 31 league matches this term. His form, as mentioned, has attracted keen interest from Aston Villa, but, Newcastle could now scupper their plans.

However, the Premier League duo will have to pay Williams’ £50m release clause to have any chance of signing him this summer.

READ MORE: Newcastle tipped to outmuscle Arsenal in pursuit of £58m star, as Howe prepares to rip up wage structure

Newcastle scale back Moussa Diaby interest

Also, the Daily Mail add that while Williams has become a key target for Newcastle, they have decided against pursuing a move for Diaby.

As noted by TEAMtalk, Arsenal have registered an interest in the Leverkusen star. As a result, they could now have a free run at signing him this summer.

However, what this shows is that despite pulling out of the race for Diaby, Howe desperately wants to sign another winger this summer.

Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy and Allan Saint-Maximin have played a key role in Newcastle’s success, but, the manager evidently wants to bolster that area.

The Magpies signed Anthony Gordon from Everton in January. However, he has so far failed to live up to his price tag.

Indeed, if Newcastle want to compete among Europe’s elite in the Champions League, they need players who can perform at the highest level.

While Williams is still a youngster, he is still touted to become a superstar in the future, so could prove to be an excellent long-term investment.

Although what Newcastle will be prioritising this summer is players who can immediately make them a stronger team.

With that in mind, it could be an exciting transfer window for Magpies fans, with their billionaire tipped spend big on new additions.

READ MORE: Gary Neville admits Newcastle signing ‘sensational’ player would ‘scare him to death’ as he sends Howe warning