Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen seemingly disagree on how much Moussa Diaby should cost this summer.
The winger is one of the Magpies’ top summer targets, with Eddie Howe keen to add a new right winger to his squad.
That’s why Diaby is being targeted, having proven in Germany that he can be a difference maker. He got 13 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, while his speed makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel knows all about his pace, having worked with him at PSG. He said Diaby is ‘very quick‘, and now he has the end product to match.
Diaby would be the perfect addition, but Newcastle may need to break the bank to sign him. They will also need to convince him that St James’ Park is the place for him.
Newcastle prepared to pay £34m for Diaby, but Leverkusen want much more
Sport1 in Germany have provided some information on Newcastle’s pursuit of the 22-year-old.
They report that Newcastle are willing to pay between £30million and £34million for Diaby. However, Bayer Leverkusen want a fair bit more.
Sport1 believe Leverkusen will only sell for a fee worth around £51million. That means the Magpies are £17million away from getting one of their top summer targets.
They’re currently prepared to pay a similar amount to what Bruno Guimaraes cost, but the German side want Newcastle to fork out a club record fee.
While the two sides disagree over the price, Dan Ashworth and co have another hurdle to overcome.
Newcastle move doesn’t appeal ‘that much’ to Diaby
The Magpies need to up the amount they’re willing to pay, or hope Leverkusen lower their demands. However, the bigger issue could be the player.
Sport1 state that a move to Newcastle doesn’t appeal ‘that much’ to the France international, who is also a target for PSG.
That’s the word coming from people close to Diaby, which doesn’t sound promising for our hopes of bringing him to the North East.
Diaby would be a dream signing for a lot of Toon fans – he’s similar to Bruno in the fact that he is probably too good for us right now.
But if he isn’t keen on the move, why are Newcastle still targeting him? Either the club believe they can convince him to change his mind, or talk of him not fancying Tyneside is inaccurate.
For now, Newcastle feel a long way from completing this deal. The clubs’ valuations differ by £17million, while the player isn’t struck on a move to St James’ Park.
It doesn’t sound promising right now…
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