Moussa Diaby demand threatening to scupper potential Newcastle move – The Athletic

Bayer Leverkusen’s lofty asking price may be a big stumbling block when it comes to Newcastle’s attempts to sign Moussa Diaby, but it seems that’s not the only battle we’re facing regarding the Frenchman.

Speaking on the Pod on the Tyne podcast this week, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has revealed that the player “wants Champions League football” – something Bayer Leverkusen can offer him after finishing 3rd in the Bundesliga last season.

Waugh states that the club have recently been “spooked off” by the €60m demands made by the German giants, meaning other options – such as Leeds’ Jack Harrison – have been looked at.

The Athletic’s Sebastian Stafford-Bloor – who covers Tifo Football – has also explained how the World Cup could impact Diaby’s decision making, as it could be considered a risk leaving a high-flying Leverkusen side set to compete in the Champions League for a division he’s never played in just a few months before France pick their squad for Qatar.

Here’s what Chris Waugh had to say when asked for an update, insisting he’s a top target but someone who looks “unlikely” to sign as things stand:

“At the minute, they’ve been spooked off by the demands for Diaby. I think they were quoted around €60m.

“Newcastle have a lot of options and Moussa Diaby is very much at the top of the ones (wingers) they like.

“But, as things stand, it’s looking unlikely that he will come unless they really test Leverkusen’s want to keep him.

“I think they’ve also had a few indications that Diaby wouldn’t be overly keen on the idea of going to Newcastle at this stage, as he wants Champions League football – which they can’t offer.

“As things stand, it’s maybe one to watch, but there’s nothing imminent.”