Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Newcastle United 'absolutely love' Bayer Leverkusen winger and reported target Moussa Diaby.

The Lowdown: Still interested

It was reported earlier this month that the St James' Park outfit 'retain an interest' in Diaby ahead of the January transfer window, after reportedly holding an interest in the summer.

This is the same case for Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison, so it will no doubt be interesting to see whether the Magpies go for one or both players again in January.

The Latest: Newcastle 'love' Diaby

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones says that there is not a 'priority' in terms of signing Diaby over Maddison and vice versa, but shared that the former is a player who Newcastle 'absolutely love'.

The journalist said: “I don’t know if there's necessarily a priority between these two.

“They both kind of have a similar role in mind despite the fact that they're pretty different players. That right-side of the attack is something that they're looking at, it's always been the intention to bring more creativity to the frontline.

“Obviously, Alexander Isak came in, and we haven't really been able to see enough of him, but Diaby is somebody they absolutely love in what he can bring on both flanks, to be honest, and the pace, and the way [he] runs at people.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Given the injury problems suffered by Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin this season, the Tynesiders could do with bolstering their front line in order to give them more options.

Hailed as a player with ‘electrifying pace, good with both feet and fearless on the ball’ by The Chronicle journalist Aaron Stokes, Diaby is exactly who they should be targeting, given that he can play anywhere across the top of the pitch.

He has managed four goals and four assists in all competitions so far this season, including two goals in the Champions League, and his tally of 25 goal contributions in the Bundesliga last term is very impressive indeed (Transfermarkt).

Also, the France international is only 23 years of age and still has such a high ceiling that the Magpies could seize upon if they managed to bring him to St James' Park.