An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in signing Marco Asensio in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), the Magpies are keen on a deal to snap the attacker up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that they are battling AC Milan, who they beat to the signing of Sven Botman, to land the Spanish international.

It is stated that Real Madrid are yet to offer the midfielder a new contract and that the door is open for him to leave if a team is willing to pay his £117k-per-week wages.

Moussa Diaby alternative

Newcastle have missed out on a deal to sign Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen this summer and Asensio would be a dream alternative to the Frenchman heading into next season.

The 26-year-old is an experienced, talented, attacker, who has the ability to come in and make a big impact in the Premier League next term.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once named him as one of three players who are "pure quality" for Spain at international level, alongside Koke and Gavi. The dynamo recently set up two goals in three Nations League appearances for his country.

He has also been hailed by former Real Madrid players Guti and Raul previously. The former said:

“Asensio is a lot better player than I was. He has an unlimited ceiling, his head is very well furnished and will depend on what he wants to do in the world of football. The future is in his feet.”

Raul added: “He has much to offer now and a great future ahead of him. He’s a young guy, eager to work and he’s currently doing very well.”

The gem enjoyed a fine campaign in La Liga in 2021/22 as he found the back of the net a whopping 10 times in just 19 starts for Madrid. He also managed one goal and two assists in the Champions League - starting two matches in the competition.

These statistics, coupled with Guti and Raul's comments, suggest that Asensio is a player with the quality to improve Newcastle's team in the short term, whilst also having the potential to get better in the future.

Therefore, he would be a dream alternative to Diaby as he would be a signing with the scope to be an excellent piece of business now and in the future, with the quality to add a goal threat to the team.

AND in other news, Imagine him & ASM: NUFC can form dream duo in swoop to sign "wonderful" £50m dynamo...