‘Astonishing’ 24-year-old who Newcastle want could have a new club this week

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Moussa Diaby is a long term transfer target for Newcastle United, but it is a saga that could come to an end this week.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park last summer, with Eddie Howe’s side confident they could complete a deal with Bayer Leverkusen.

That confidence was misplaced, as Diaby still represents the Bundesliga club 12 months later. But rumours of a move to Tyneside have continued, with a recent report in Germany stating that Newcastle remain interested.

Diaby wants to play in the Premier League, which sounds like it would be good news for the Magpies. But it has actually opened the door for Aston Villa.

Their opening offer has been rejected by Leverkusen, and now Unai Emery’s side have made a second approach. However, they face competition from a club owned by PIF. Sadly for Toon fans, it is Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia rather than the Magpies.

Moussa Diaby wants his future resolved this week

According to the Daily Mail, Diaby wants his future resolved this week amid bids from Aston Villa and Al Nassr. The report states that both sides’ bids are around £9million short of Leverkusen’s £52million valuation.

Whether or not a compromise can be reached remains to be seen, but it sounds like Diaby’s destination for next season will be decided over the coming days.

The Daily Mail add that Leverkusen are set to head to Austria for a pre-season training camp this weekend, and that all parties would like the Diaby situation resolved before then.

That means Newcastle need to act fast if they want to sign the ‘astonishing‘ Frenchman, but a move to St James’ Park now feels unlikely.

Instead, he could head to Aston Villa, where he would have a golden chance to prove to Newcastle that they missed out on him. Alternatively, he goes to Saudi Arabia at the age of 24 – which would be a waste of his talents but a good financial decision.

The clock is ticking. Diaby wants to know where he’s going this week. In a dream scenario it will be St James’ Park and he’s there on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

That could very well happen – but only because our first game of the season is at home to Aston Villa, who Diaby could be lining up for in claret and blue.