Sources: Newcastle United pull plug on Moussa Diaby deal
Newcastle United will not pursue a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby after being put off by his £60million price tag, Football Insider understands.
The France winger figures on the cash-rich giants’ list of summer transfer targets as they look to recruit a top-class winger.
But a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Newcastle are now prioritising other attacking options.
It is one of Eddie Howe’s priorities to recruit a wide forward this summer who can make an instant first-team impact.
Diaby has been targeted after bagging 13 goals and 12 assists in 32 Bundesliga outings during the 2021-22 season.
He has been a regular for Leverkusen since joining the club in July 2019 but only found his best form during 21-22.
His goals helped Leverkusen finish third in the Bundesliga and secure automatic qualification for the 2022-23 Champions League.
Diaby has also started to make an impact for the French national side, making his debut in August 2021.
He has now made five appearances for his country but is yet to score.
Newcastle’s wingers struggled for goals during the 2021-22 Premier League season.
Allan Saint-Maximin scored six while Miguel Almiron scored once and Ryan Fraser scored twice.
Newcastle are expected to heavily invest again this summer after finishing 11th in the 2021-22 Premier League.
Several of their wingers have been linked with moves away from the club with Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy chief among those names.
In other news, Newcastle United have been told to accept a £50m Allan Saint-Maximin bid after a Tottenham update