"We hear Newcastle have been watching" - £60m Liverpool star identified as surprise Toon target

Newcastle United are reportedly sounding out a surprise summer move for Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota.

This comes from Jacque Talbot at Football Transfers, who claims that we've been 'watching' the Portuguese international in hope he could become available following the arrival of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Jota is believed to be 'happy' at Anfield and wouldn't come cheap should we make an end-of-season move, with Liverpool valuing the 26-year-old at around the £60m mark.

Here's a snippet from Talbot's in-depth piece on all things Liverpool, which features this intriguing snippet on the former Wolves star:

'We hear that Newcastle have been watching Diogo Jota over a summer move, who agreed to fresh terms in the summer, and Liverpool would ask for around €70m.

'The Portugal international would have to contend with the starting trio of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez but we understand the Jorge Mendes star is happy at Liverpool.'

He's struggled with injuries this season, but may not settle for a bit-part role after starting just four Premier League games this term.

With Nunez often operating down the left, Gakpo starting in a false nine role, Salah occupying that right-hand side and Diaz also to come back, it remains to be seen how much game time Jota will get over the remainder of the season.

Perhaps a long shot, but a quality player who could bring versatility and goals to Eddie Howe's attack, having bagged an impressive 34 goals and 15 assists in 99 appearances for the Reds.