Saint Etienne's Zuriko Davitashvili celebrates after scoring against AS Monaco
Saint Etienne's Zuriko Davitashvili
Newcastle United's pursuit of a right-sided forward appears to be an open secret, with a string of talented wingers linked with a move to Tyneside over the past 12 months.
The Magpies had made a big play for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo at the start of the transfer window only to cool interest after hearing his wage demands. Manchester United are confident of completed a deal in the region of £70m for the Cameroon star.
A bid of £45m was turned down for Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga last week, with weighing up whether to go back with an improved offer for the Swedish winger.
The same is true of with a £50m move rejected by the Seagulls, while Chelsea are said to have had a £58m offer turned down.
United have looked at the likes of Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, while there remains interest in England Under-21 pair James McAtee and Harvey Elliott of Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
All are proven Premier League talent, which means they all come with a hefty price tag. And while Newcastle have the spending power denied to them in recent windows, they must be very careful how they invest their money this summer, with precious little heading the other way in terms of incoming transfer fees.
However there is one player United chief scout Steve Nickson and the recruitment team will know all about, who is available for a cut-price €15m this summer and who could tick all the boxes.
Georgian winger Zuriko Davitashvili is set to leave French side Saint-Etienne following their relegation to Ligue 2, and he's starting to become hot property.
Saint Etienne's Zuriko Davitashvili celebrates scoring against AS Monaco (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The 24-year-old has made it clear he wants a new challenge following relegation, with a €15 price tag slapped on the Georgian international.
He was one of the standout stars for Saint-Etienne last season, scoring nine goals and contributing eight assists despite their struggles, and has attracted interest from France and Turkey.
It would be something of a gamble to bring him to Tyneside, with no Premier League experience, but in terms of stats and style, he is a player who would suit tactics.
Davitashvili is capable of playing on either flank, but is right-footed, and missed just one league game last season, through illness, not injury.
Zuriko Davitashvili of Georgie takes on Spain's Rodri at EURO24 (Image: ANP via Getty Images)
United have to box clever when it comes to transfers, and their scouting team have excellent knowledge of the French leagues, a market they feel still offers value for money compared to the inflated prices elsewhere. He has already played 46 times for Georgia, including at EURO24, scoring six goals for his country.
It also wouldn't be the marquee signing fans are craving, but few would complain if a move for Davitashvili allows United to go big elsewhere.
Newcastle United Carabao Cup Winners 24/25 - Official club magazine
Featuring stunning photography, reaction from players, staff and fans, and a fantastic double-sided poster, this must-have souvenir is the perfect way to re-live an unforgettable moment in Newcastle United’s history.