The January transfer window may still be a few months away, but that won’t stop new names being linked with a potential move to Tyneside.
The latest sees Everton star Iliman Ndiaye emerge as a potential target for Eddie Howe following his superb displays on Merseyside over the past 12 months.
The 25-year-old Senegalese international has three goals and an assist to his name this season, impressing with his incredible dribbling, energy and improved final product.
He and loanee Jack Grealish have been integral to Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes this season, combining to become arguably the Premier League’s most dangerous duo.
TEAMtalk are reporting on Newcastle’s interest, but claim we’ll face stiff competition from Tottenham, with Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus also. Spanish powerhouses Atletico Madrid are also said to be circling.
Everton will demand a big price, with £60m-plus said to be required, but it may be one to watch given his suitability to our style of play, versatility and the fact he has just over two years left on his current deal.
Ndiaye the perfect Newcastle player?
Ndiaye also has all of the makings of an Eddie Howe signing. His ability to play as a number 10 or down either flank is the kind of quality Howe admires, with the boss known to appreciate versatility in new signings, as Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento have shown.
His profile suits our style of play, offering bags of energy, pace and power, but also that sprinkle of magic with his quick feet and electric dribbling.
The main talking point when it comes to his data are that he is in the 93rd percentile for key passes. This puts him in the top seven percent of all players in the world when it comes to unlocking a defence.
Newcastle have been crying out for a player who can play that defence-splitting ball. Some believe Nick Woltemade may have solved that problem with his unique link-up play; however, it’s a tool not many at the club possess consistently enough against a low block.
He is also in the top 25% of all players when it comes to accurate crosses. This stat will suit Eddie Howe’s team perfectly, as we rely on a lot of crosses into the box to create chances, because we lack a ball through the middle more often than not.
Anthony Elanga hasn’t found an assist from the right hand side this season (not for a lack of trying), and only Jacob Murphy has found success from whipping the ball in dangerous areas.