Report: Newcastle meets Mohamed Diame's Hull release clause
To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.
Newcastle United has reportedly triggered the release clause of Hull City's Mohamed Diame, and the Magpies will now try and tempt the midfielder into dropping a division to join Rafa Benitez's Tyneside project.
Sky Sports News understands the fee to be worth £4.5 million, and should the Senegalese agree to a contract with Newcastle, it will end a two-year stay on Humberside.
During that spell he has accumulated 50 appearances and scored 13 goals, the most memorable of which was his last: a stupendous screamer in May which secured a play-off promotion back to the Premier League.
Although Diame would be stepping down if he joins Newcastle, he may be encouraged by the impressive transfer window that Benitez has overseen so far, and also unsettled by the ownership and management situation at Hull.
Steve Bruce stepped down as manager on June 22, and recent reports state the questionable credentials of Gianfranco Zola are interesting the KCOM Stadium hierarchy for the role. The takeover talks are currently on hold until September while the club focuses on strengthening the roster for its Premier League campaign.
Hull begins its top-flight commitments against title holder Leicester City on Aug. 13, while Newcastle starts the Championship term at Fulham on Friday.
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