Newcastle plan move for Leverkusen winger Diaby
Newcastle United want to add Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby to their attack next season and have made inquiries about a deal for the France international.
Diaby, 22, is high on the list of targets for Eddie Howe this summer after three seasons with Leverkusen. He has helped them qualify for the Champions League and has been called up by his country.
Leverkusen are not expected to allow Diaby to leave cheaply and his market value places him well above the £40million bracket of players.
He has a contract at Bayarena until 2025, meaning his club can negotiate a substantial fee. But he would still represent good value for Newcastle as they look to lower the age profile of their signings.
After arriving in the Bundesliga in 2019 as a teenager, Diaby has swiftly established himself as a key player for Leverkusen.
Newcastle spoke to Leverkusen in the January transfer window over a deal for Mitchel Bakker but the Germans could not find a replacement for the Dutch left-back, so they switched their attention to a loan deal for Matt Targett, who was a success during his spell at St James’ Park.
Howe has been targeting a wide forward for next season to build on his work in the second half of the season. He has monitored the situation of Raphinha although a move for the Brazilian now looks unlikely after he helped Leeds United avoid relegation.
Targets from abroad have moved up the list at Newcastle as domestic players have been set high asking prices. Everton’s Dominic Calvertlewin and Jack Harrison of Leeds are among the wanted players but their clubs are keen to maximise the fees received.
Newcastle tried to sign Reims striker Hugo Ekitike in January, with a package of €22million plus €6 million add-ons agreed before he decided not to move.