Newcastle United still want Moussa Diaby – but will have to increase their bid by around £13million to tempt Bayer Leverkusen into a deal.
Diaby has been one of the prime names linked with Newcastle since the January transfer window.
The former Paris Saint-Germain has exploded in Germany, becoming one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the Bundesliga.
With blistering pace and outstanding movement, Diaby racked up 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances last season.
Diaby is only 22 and looks set for a huge future, with Newcastle keen to lure him over to St James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle United still want Moussa Diaby
Understandably though, Leverkusen are seeking a pretty hefty deal for their French international.
Tuttomercatoweb claim that Newcastle have put an offer on the table worth €30million plus €5million in add-ons – around £26million with over £4million down the line.
However, Leverkusen’s asking price is around €60million (£51million) and the lowest they could consider is €50million (£43million).
That means Newcastle need to come up with a new offer worth at least £13million more than their opening bid.
TMW add that PSV do already have a replacement in mind and are lining up a move for PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo.
Whilst Diaby is small, nimble and a left-footed, Gakpo is taller, stronger and right-footed, so the Dutchman seems like a curious target to replace Diaby.
Yet this will give Newcastle real hope of signing Diaby with Leverkusen seemingly softening their stance on the winger – especially with a replacement already in mind.
Newcastle will seemingly prioritise another winger this summer with the aim of adding a second speedy threat down the flanks along with Allan Saint-Maximin.
You can guarantee that Premier League defenders won’t want to face a devastating duo of Diaby and Saint-Maximin next season, but it will all depend on just how high Newcastle want to go for the Leverkusen star.
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