Newcastle United securing the signing of Moussa Diaby would be a massive statement if they can pull it off, Pete O'Rourke has claimed.

What's the word?

The Bayer Leverkusen winger has been linked (as per Bild via ChronicleLive) with a move to Eddie Howe's side, and the 23-year-old would be an outstanding addition.

The Frenchman has scored eight times and provided four assists in 22 games this season, and is capable of playing on either wing.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O'Rourke claimed that should Newcastle beat off other interest to land the attacker, that it will serve as a statement that they are ready to compete for Europe's biggest stars.

"If Newcastle were able to land Moussa Diaby, I think it'd be a big statement to the rest of Europe that they are competing for the top players across Europe," he stated.

"Obviously, they've had great success so far under Eddie Howe, it's going so well in the Premier League, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. They've done their transfer business really smartly, so far as well."

Do they need him?

With Miguel Almiron in the form of his life on the right wing and Joelinton impressing on the left wing, as well as Allan Saint-Maximin available on either side, we feel Newcastle do not need a winger as a matter of urgency, so they may want to focus on their depth in other areas of the squad.

However, when an opportunity to sign a top-quality star like Diaby presents itself, Newcastle perhaps cannot say no to what could be a game-changing signing.

Diaby ranks in the top 13% of wingers for goals, showing he is a lot more productive in front of goal than Saint-Maximin, who ranks in the bottom 11% as per FBref.

If a deal can be struck, it would add quality to the first team and increase the quality of the overall depth within the squad, as well as laying down a marker to the rest of the continent.