Age: 26 Club: Bordeaux Nationality: Malian Estimated market value: £8million-£10million League apps (2014-15): 15 League goals (2014-15): 8 The 31-cap Mali striker - who has netted 12 times for his country - came through the youth ranks at Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, but learned his craft while on loan at Ajaccio (14 goals in 30 leagues games) and then at Nancy (two appearances, no goals). However, since establishing himself in the first team at Bordeaux, Diabate has become a key member of their squad. With an average scoring rate of more than a goal every three games for the club (104 appearances, 40 goals), Diabate has proven himself in the French top division. Most tellingly, at 6ft 4ins, Diabate would add a much-needed physical presence to the Newcastle attack - and would hopefully improve their dreadful conversion rate from set pieces. Diabate would offer something to the Magpies that they have not had since Andy Carroll got in a helicopter and flew across to Liverpool - height and an aerial threat up front.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
