Newcastle United are preparing for a big summer. After getting back into Europe and lifting the Carabao Cup, we are finally starting to look like the club we have always believed we could be.
But Eddie Howe and the team know that to keep pushing forward, we need more quality, especially out wide.
We have had some standout moments this past season, but at times, we lacked that spark in the final third.
Now, our recruitment team is focusing on adding more pace, creativity, and goals.
And from what is being reported, there is a certain French winger who has caught our eye.
Newcastle United eye £59m French winger
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are keeping close tabs on Maghnes Akliouche, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder from AS Monaco.
He is quick, clever on the ball, and can open up defences, exactly the kind of player we need to take some pressure off Isak and Gordon.
The reported fee is around £59m (€70m), which is not cheap, but if PIF decides to back Eddie again, we could pull it off, especially if we move a few players on.
Akliouche is not just on our radar though. Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and even Paris Saint-Germain are said to be watching him too.
He scored 8 goals and registered 12 assists last season, showing he is not just a flair player, he delivers too.
Monaco have a history of selling their top talent, and with other clubs circling, we will need to act fast if we are serious. It is clear we are aiming high this summer.
If Newcastle can bring in a player like Akliouche, it would show that we are not just happy to be back in the Champions League, we are here to stay and dominate both domestic and European circuit.
So, signing Maghnes Akliouche should be a priority for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team.