Newcastle United are ready to break their new transfer record to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby according to reports.
The Premier League club are looking to add the exciting winger to their squad but are cautious of overspending as they are aware clubs will want to take advantage of their newfound wealth since the Saudi takeover of the club.
According to Sportsmail, the Magpies want Diaby but have been ‘frustrated’ by Leverkusens’s £60million valuation of the winger. However, they remain hopeful that a deal will be reached, even if that means that they break their transfer record.
Eddie Howe’s side are also looking to poach Anthony Gordon from Everton and Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea if the deal for Diaby falls through. According to 90min, both Premier League players are transfer targets for Howe’s men.
The former Bournemouth boss is looking to build on their decent finish of last season and have already signed Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman this summer.
The Lille defender cost around £35million, but summer target Diaby will reportedly command a fee above that and the club record £40m paid to Hoffenheim for Joelinton in 2019.
The 22-year-old forward enjoyed a breakthrough year last season, scoring 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Leverkusen.
But Leverkusen director, Simon Rolfes, has insisted the club want to keep Diaby.
“No, no. For sure we want to keep Moussa for as long as possible,” when asked about Newcastle’s interest in the France international.
“I know a lot of scouts have been sitting on our tribune during our matches because we have a lot of interesting, exciting young players with high potential.
“It is always the same. We do not have any offers for him but we are not looking for that at the moment. We would like to keep him and for him to play with us next season in the Champions League.”
