According to reports in Spain, Newcastle United have been handed the opportunity to sign Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
After crediting us with interest in the Frenchman back in June, Spanish outlet AS now report that we’ve been identified as a potential destination for the 6ft 3′ centre-back.
They claim that 24-year-old is keen to secure a move to the Premier League and sees Newcastle as a ‘good destination.’
That said, it’s said Valencia prefer to let him go on a permanent deal and will cash in if we can match their asking price, set at ‘around €8-10m.’
Based on Bruce’s latest comments and our the total lack of transfer funds available at St James’ Park, it’s safe to say we’ll prefer a loan move for Diakhaby – providing we do still retain and interest in the player.
We do have an overseas loan slot available to use, however it could be that the La Liga club have no interest in letting him leave on a temporary basis.
There’s no doubt we need another centre back, meaning he could well be someone we’ve considered, however this one seems a non starter if they are only interested in a sale.
Diakhaby completed a £13m move from Lyon back in 2018, being a former France U21 international who has been named on the bench in Valencia’s opening two games of the 2021/22 season.
