“We hear Newcastle has been watching” – Liverpool’s £60 million star named as a surprise Toon target

According to Jacque Talbot of Football Transfers, we’ve been ‘monitoring’ the Portuguese international in the expectation that he would become available following the arrivals of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo

Jota is said to be ‘happy’ at Anfield and would not be cheap if we made an end-of-season deal, with Liverpool valued at roughly £60 million.

Here’s an excerpt from Talbot’s extensive column on all things Liverpool, which includes this intriguing snippet on the former Wolves star:

‘We hear Newcastle have been monitoring Diogo Jota for a summer move, who agreed to new terms in the summer, and Liverpool would demand roughly €70 million.

‘The Portugal international would have to compete with the starting trio of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez, but we understand the Jorge Mendes star is pleased at Liverpool,’ according to the report.

He’s been plagued by injuries this season, but he may not be content with a supporting role after starting just four Premier League games this season.

With Nunez frequently operating down the left, Gakpo starting as a false nine, Salah occupying the right side, and Diaz also set to return, it remains to be seen how much game time Jota will get throughout the rest of the season.

A long shot, but a talented player who could add diversity and goals to Eddie Howe’s attack, having scored 34 goals and assisted 15 times in 99 games for the Reds.