According to reports this morning, Newcastle United are lining up a big move for long-term target Moussa Diaby this summer.
This comes from Scott Wilson – the chief writer at the Northern Echo – who claims that we are ‘ready’ to reignite our interest in the Bayer Leverkusen winger after holding a series of talks with the Bundesliga side last year.
Diaby has been earmarked for the right-hand side of Eddie Howe’s 4-3-3 formation, as the club believe another option is needed to compete with Miguel Almiron.
With European football set to arrive on Tyneside in some capacity next season, the report states that our Saudi-backed owners are prepared to sanction a marquee signing this summer, with the 23-year-old Frenchman featuring high on our list following another superb season in Germany.
He won’t come cheap and would ‘almost certainly’ cost more than the £63m paid for current record signing Alexander Isak. However, it seems the club are convinced he’s worth it after 12 goals and seven assists this season and some stunning form on the European stage; helping Leverkusen reach the last eight of the Europa League.
After keeping our powder dry in the January transfer window, ‘significant investments’ are expected this summer, with our recruitment likely to ramp up to new levels should we secure a top four finish and Champions League football.
We don’t want or need any Old Trafford cast offs especially McTominay
STEVEN PRYCE(Quote)