Newcastle now see £60k-a-week star as Diaby alternative at St James' Park

Newcastle United could look to sign Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, if they fail to acquire the services of Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby this season, according to Jacque Talbot.

Diaby has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park this summer, but it seems like the club have now given up on chasing the France winger.

Newcastle had been chasing the signature of both Diaby and Reims striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, but The Telegraph have reported that the club have grown frustrated in negotiations for the pair, and have now moved on to other targets.

According to the Express, Eddie Howe’s side are considering making a move for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paquetá this summer with Arsenal also interested in the Brazilian’s signature.

The same report suggests that Paquetá may be more likely to pick the Magpies over Arsenal this summer, in a bid to take his game to the next level.

And according to Talbot, Newcastle have identified Leeds’ Harrison as a transfer alternative to Diaby this summer.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Diaby would be the number one target and the alternative to him would be Jack Harrison.

“I think that’s a little bit underwhelming for what they want to do.

“They brought in players like Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman, presumably under the pretence they’re going to show ambition.”

Whilst on paper Harrison would likely be a solid addition for Howe’s side this season, it does seem a bit of an underwhelming downgrade on Diaby.

The £60k-per-week winger made 38 appearances for Leeds last season, scoring ten goals and providing two assists, according to Transfermarkt.

However this isn’t anywhere near the level of Diaby, who made 42 appearances for Leverkusen last season, scoring 13 goals and providing 12