Newcastle United are reportedly interested in making a move for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele this summer, seeing him as an 'attractive' proposition.
The Lowdown: Big summer ahead
The Magpies are likely to embark on a pivotal summer transfer window, with funds available to spend big on talent and take the team to another level.
Champions League qualification would only aid Newcastle in a financial sense, as well as give them the pulling power to entice some of Europe's top players to St James' Park.
One player who has been linked with a move to the Magpies in the past is Dembele, who was a key part of France's squad at the 2022 World Cup, starting six of his country's seven matches, including the final defeat to Argentina.
The 25-year-old has also been an important figure for Barca this season, scoring and assisting five times apiece in 18 La Liga appearances to date, although he isn't necessarily a key starter and is currently out with a hamstring injury.
Dembele is out of contract at Camp Nou in 2024, which may make the Catalan giants consider a big offer for him this summer.
The Latest: Newcastle keen on Dembele
According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are continuing to eye a potential move for the Frenchman at the end of the season, seeing him as an 'attractive' option.
He has a €50million (£44.2m) release clause in his current Barca deal, and while the Magpies are willing to pay that amount, the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus have ruled themselves out.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also mentioned as possible suitors for Dembele's signature.
The Verdict: Hugely exciting option
Dembele is exactly the kind of world-renowned player that Newcastle need to be bringing to the club, in terms of both increasing their quality and raising the club's overall reputation and profile.
The winger has undoubted pedigree, having won 35 caps for a very talented France team, made 178 appearances for Barca and been hailed as 'special' by his manager Xavi.
Granted, Dembele's injury record is not the best, which is a potential drawback, but he is still young enough to overcome those issues and find another gear in the coming years.
He would come in as an upgrade on the likes of Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, which is needed if Newcastle are to become a genuine force in the Premier League and Champions League, and he could become a new superstar at St James'.