Newcastle United are plotting a £50 million move for Bayer Leverkusen’s in-form winger Moussa Diaby, according to the Mail.
The 22-year-old was watched by the Magpies’ scouting department during yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich.
The French international has been scouted a number of times already this season and with 15 goals and nine assists to his name from 31 games so far this season, a summer bid could be lodged.
However, PIF are aware that there will be other interested clubs chasing Diaby’s signature given his performances this season, but they are also wary of the asking price.
The Mail claims that the club’s Saudi-led consortium would be willing to offer around £50m to make the French international the club’s record signing, but the German giants are believed to value him closer to the £75m they received from Chelsea for Kai Havertz in 2020.
One advantage for Newcastle is that the two clubs held dialogue only in the January transfer window regarding the possibility of bringing Mitchel Bakker to Tyneside.
That move failed to come to fruition and it was Matt Targett who was signed on loan from Aston Villa to bolster our left-back options.
But with Allan Saint-Maximin on the other flank, the addition of Diaby could see Howe unleash two French speedsters on the Newcastle wings.
Although Diaby is likely to be the subject of summer interest, Leverkusen are currently third in Bundesliga and are on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Whereas Newcastle continue to move away from the relegation zone and will be targeting an assault on the European places next season.
The four-time French international’s contract at Leverkusen expires in 2025, so the German giants have the advantage of sticking to a price they want in order to part ways with Diaby.
- NEW! Download the TalkingPoints App, create your own newsfeed and join the conversation
- Ewen Jaouen reveals immediate thoughts on Newcastle United’s training ground after signing
- Kieran Maguire’s verdict on PIF selling Newcastle United after LIV Golf U-turn
- Fabrizio Romano confirms Ewen Jaouen transfer fee as Newcastle United close in
- Progress at last as Newcastle United completely revamp their transfer stance
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
