Newcastle frustrated by Moussa Diaby £60m price but supporter excitement continues to swell

Newcastle United’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby is being frustrated by the German club’s insistence they will not consider bids of less than £60 million for the France international.

Newcastle have scouted the 22-year-old extensively over the last 18 months and feel he would be an excellent addition to the squad but are unwilling to pay that sort of money.

It has led to deadlock in talks, although sources have indicated Newcastle are not ready to give up on their pursuit of such an exciting young talent.

Although still widely described as the richest club in the world because of the wealth of their Saudi Arabian owners, Newcastle are operating within the strict parameters of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

Since the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund back in October, Newcastle have announced one new sponsorship deal with online retail company Noon, but that will not significantly increase their spending power in this window as the deal is worth around £7.5m a year.

They have already spent around £52m this summer on fullback Matt Targett (£12m), goalkeeper Nick Pope (£10m) and centre back Sven Botman (£30m, which will rise to £37m with add-ons).

The budget constraints are leading to some difficult recruitment decisions with manager Eddie Howe wanting to sign two attacking players before the end of the summer window.

Newcastle could look to use the loan market and are keeping a watching brief on Armando Broja’s situation at Chelsea, as they wait to learn whether the Albania striker will be allowed a temporary move after spending last season with Southampton.

That would free up money for a marquee signing like Diaby. Newcastle have not given up on making that happen,