This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Newcastle are interested in Metz's Habibou Diallo, according to The Express.

What's the latest?

It is being reported that the Magpies are currently scouting the striker as he has been in fine form over the last few months, scoring the goals to get his side promoted from Ligue 2 last season.

His impressive displays aren't just being noticed by Newcastle, however, and it is believed that Leicester City are preparing a bid for his services.

An asking price of just £7m is all the French outfit are thought to want for the striker, and that makes him a realistic signing for almost any Premier League club, and a bargain considering he is the joint second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 currently.

The Express also report that Steve Bruce is to finalise his plans for January regarding transfer targets, and given his form it is not surprising that the 24-year-old is on the shortlist.

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Alternative to Joelinton

Diallo meets a lot of the requirements the club is likely looking for in their recruitment.

He is young, in good form, and available for a great price - a drop in the ocean compared to the £40m fee spent on Joelinton.

Bruce lacks effective options up-front and that has resulted in the Brazilian starting every game so far, but too often there has been a lack of quality on the bench to change things in Newcastle's favour.

Last week against Wolves that even resulted in Dwight Gayle being given game time, despite being an outcast for most of the summer, but in Diallo the club have targeted a player who would likely signal the end of Gayle's time at St James' Park.

The Senegal international has scored eight goals in 12 league games this term and they have come in a variety of ways. He is accomplished with his head but excels at running beyond the last defender - so could work well with a target man like Joelinton.

He would also provide the Magpies' attack with an alternative off the bench, using his pace and movement to worry defenders like he did with goals against Montpellier and Toulouse this season.

The support he would provide Joelinton would also be a nice change for the striker, who has too often been left isolated in attack, an issue which has likely caused concern for Bruce.

If the Newcastle boss can add the striker and get both him and the Brazilian firing then he will likely improve what has been a major issue in his side, with just nine goals scored in 11 league games this year.