Newcastle United are reportedly trying to sign Moussa Diaby this summer, which is incredibly exciting.
The Frenchman has been mentioned as a target all year, but talk of a move to St James’ Park has intensified over the past week.
There’s been speculation of an incoming bid for the Bayer Leverkusen winger, while the Northern Echo report that Newcastle are confident they can sign the 22-year-old.
Signing Diaby would be a huge deal for Newcastle. It would be another statement by the new owners, with Diaby valued at around £40million.
He’s an exceptional footballer who can take Eddie Howe’s side to the next level. His end product is incredible, with Diaby recording 25 goal contributions in last season’s Bundesliga.
With 12 assists to his name, he created more goals than all of Newcastle’s current wingers.
He also got more assists than Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who could also be on the move this summer.
Sadio Mane is leaving Liverpool according to reports
Liverpool have had a rollercoaster week and a bit. They missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City, they lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid, and now Mane could be leaving.
That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claimed on Sunday that the Senegalese superstar has decided to leave the Reds. He’s reportedly a target for Bayern Munich.
If Mane does leave Anfield, Jurgen Klopp will surely want to sign a replacement. They will hope to compete on all fronts again next season, meaning they can’t afford for their squad to be any weaker.
But could Diaby be a possible Mane replacement?
Newcastle must land Diaby quickly
The France international can play on both flanks and is blisteringly quick. He would certainly fit the mould of a Klopp player.
Liverpool have been tentatively linked with Diaby in the past, but he hasn’t been mentioned since the Mane news broke.
However, it shines a spotlight on Newcastle’s need to get this deal done quickly. Diaby is an elite footballer and will have plenty of top clubs eyeing his signature.
If Liverpool were an option, it would be difficult to see how Newcastle could entice him to the North East.
We’re not saying Liverpool are keen, but Diaby fits the profile of what they want in an attacker. And they’ll surely be on the lookout for a new one if Mane does leave.
Newcastle are confident they can get Diaby, but they must move fast to ensure they aren’t gazumped by a bigger club.
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