Newcastle: £60m star now 'open' to exciting St James' Park move

Newcastle United target Moussa Diaby is ‘open’ to making the proposed move from Bayer Leverkusen, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with the talented 23-year-old throughout the summer and could still seal a deal in what remains of the transfer window.

A recent report from The Telegraph revealed that Newcastle are interested in signing Diaby, although Leverkusen’s £60 million asking price is proving to be a major stumbling block in negotiations.

It’s claimed that Eddie Howe’s charges have scouted the France international extensively in recent months and have been impressed by what they’ve seen but are unwilling to pay such a substantial figure.

90min have since provided an update on Newcastle’s stance towards Diaby, though, disclosing that they would be prepared to pay a club-record fee for his services.

The North East outfit splashed out £40m to sign Joelinton from Hoffenheim back in 2019, and could offer a similar amount for Diaby over the coming weeks.

In 42 appearances last season, the skilful winger bagged 17 goals and laid on a further 14 assists, firing his side to a third-placed finish in the Bundesliga standings.

Newcastle abandoned their attempts to sign Stade Reims Hugo Ekitike following a lengthy pursuit and are therefore anticipated to move for an alternative attacker.

Jacobs has informed GiveMeSport that Diaby would be willing to make the switch to St. James’ Park yet the newly-rich Premier League side ‘won’t overpay’.

He told GMS: “Newcastle are really keen on signing a winger and a striker. Diaby is possible, he’s open to the move, but it remains to be seen whether Bayer Leverkusen will sell. Newcastle also won’t overpay for Diaby.”

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