The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are 'ready to push ahead' to sign Lucas Paqueta and Bamba Dieng for Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Attackers wanted
Having recently been linked with moves for the likes of James Maddison and Maxi Gomez, it is clear that Eddie Howe is now looking at bringing in attacking reinforcements to St. James' Park.
They have already signed goalkeeper Nick Pope, central defender Sven Botman and left-back Matt Targett, so they can now focus on strengthening their options in the final third with time ticking down towards the September 1 deadline.
The Latest: Paqueta and Dieng interest
Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the North East club are 'ready to push ahead' for moves for both Paqueta and Dieng, adding that their prices fit well into their budget:
"Newcastle are ready to push ahead with moves for Marseille's Bamba Dieng and Lyon's Lucas Paqueta. The prices for both players fit well into Newcastle's budget and they have both been on the club's radar since the turn of the year."
Expanding in his piece for 90min, the journalist shared that Marseille could be willing to sell Dieng for £15m, while Lyon could sell Paqueta for £33m plus add-ons.
The Verdict: Exciting
The fact that the Tynesiders are pursuing both of these deals is exciting for the Toon Army.
Dieng managed a handy eight goals and three assists in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt), and the striker has even been labelled the 'new Sadio Mane', with the Senegal international starring alongside his countryman in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
Paqueta meanwhile would certainly add more guile in midfield alongside his former Lyon teammate and fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimarares, scoring an impressive 11 goals and making a further seven assists from the middle of the park last campaign (Transfermarkt).
Nonetheless, with Maddison thought to cost around £60m, the Magpies could get both Dieng and Paqueta for less, which would be a real bargain.