Spanish side Valencia look likely to sell Mouctar Diakhaby for just £9 million with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Leicester City interested, as reported by Deporte Valenciano.
Cash-strapped Valencia must wish they could turn back the clock to August 2019.
Two years ago, Los Che rejected a staggering £36 million bid for a talented young centre-back who, at the time, was a target for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
And there are no prizes for guessing the identity of Diakhaby’s agent – a certain Mr Jorge Mendes.
Flash forward to July 2021 and Diakhaby would cost just a quarter of that £36 million fee. And Valencia’s perilous financial situation isn’t the only reason for that sudden drop in value.
Will Mouctar Diakhaby choose Leicester over Newcastle?
A defender who made his name with Lyon during their run to the Europa League quarter-finals in 2016/17, Diakhaby has struggled to live up to lofty expectations in La Liga.
His performances have been littered with the kind of mistakes the 24-year-old should have eradicated from his game by now.
And, with his contract expiring in 2023, Valencia would rather cash in on Diakhaby now before his price tag drops even further.
In an ideal world new Valencia manager Jose Bordalas would like to keep hold of the former France U21 international, although the former Getafe boss understands players must be sacrificed to boost the club’s coffers.
In June, AS reported Leicester and Newcastle were both willing to take a chance on Diakhaby.
And, although the 6ft 4in defender knows he would find game time easier to come by under Steve Bruce at St James’ Park, it is understood Diakhaby would prefer a move to the King Power instead.
Brendan Rodgers’ FA Cup-winning Foxes are in the market for a defender after bidding farewell to the legendary Wes Morgan.
Jonny Evans, meanwhile, endured a difficult season with injuries and will turn 34 in January.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
