Newcastle United could be set to secure one of the best deals of the January transfer window, according to reports - with the Magpies thought to be 'leading the race' to sign Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz by readying a £52million bid for his services.
Diaz, 26, has become a name known across Europe after some superb spells at the biggest clubs on the continent, especially after moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, he has found opportunities hard to come by since, with Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Fede Valverde and Franco Mastantuono all in the pecking order, and that could see him become a star on Tyneside with Newcastle readying a bid.
Report: Newcastle 'Readying' Move for Brahim Diaz
real madrid brahim diaz
The report by Fichajes states that several Premier League offers are threatening to lure Diaz away from the Spanish champions in the coming days.
His exit has been a central topic at the Santiago Bernabeu in the final days of the window, especially given his failed panenka attempt in the Africa Cup of Nations final, which eventually saw Morocco lose to Senegal in extra time.
With that in mind, president Florentino Perez has 'several' offers on the table for his services, including one from Newcastle.
An offer close to €60million (£52million) would be 'very welcome' at the Spanish giants, and Newcastle have taken the lead in the race to sign the former Manchester City star.
They are looking to take a step forward in their project, and 'superstar' Diaz would fit perfectly into their playing style. His ability to play between the lines would compliment Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton very well in rotation and with Newcastle aiming to qualify for the Champions League, he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw, having been labelled as potentially becoming 'one of the best in the world'.
Diaz Could be Ideal For Eddie Howe In Champions League Chase
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe's side are currently ninth in the table, though they sit just five points away from the top four, and with fifth place in the league likely to see the Premier League awarded another Champions League spot, he could be crucial.
Diaz came through the ranks at Manchester City and actually scored twice for the Cityzens in his time at the club, though opportunities at Real Madrid proved too good to turn down.
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With 18 goals in 124 games across a three-year loan spell at AC Milan, he returned to Real at the start of the 2023-24 campaign, and he scored 12 in the year after to properly stamp his mark in the Spanish game, but his talents could now be transferred back to the Premier League.