---
title: "Le Mans will not stop Newcastle target Stephane Diarra from leaving club"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2020/01/16/le-mans-will-not-stop-newcastle-target-stephane-diarra-from-leaving-club/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Murray"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-01-16T20:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-01-16T20:00:00Z"
---

# Le Mans will not stop Newcastle target Stephane Diarra from leaving club

French side Le Mans will not block a move for reported Newcastle United target Stephane Diarra, according to reports from the [Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/french-club-will-not-stand-way-january-move-newcastle-united-transfer-target-1320034).

The midfielder has [reportedly been](https://www.themag.co.uk/2019/11/newcastle-united-regularly-watching-stephane-diarra-ahead-of-january-window-lequipe/) a target for Newcastle, alongside Celtic who have also been heavily linked with a switch for the Frenchman.

However,  Le Mans’ chief Thierry Gomez has spoken about the player’s future, and revealed that the player will be allowed to leave if a good enough offer comes in for him in January.

![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2020/01/1196354296.jpg)

Gomez said, via the [Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/french-club-will-not-stand-way-january-move-newcastle-united-transfer-target-1320034):

> For now, we haven’t received any offer. Stephane also knows where he comes from. If anything were to happen, it would be with our support.
>
> The subject isn’t relevant now. We’re entering a month that can bring up a lot of hope but also a lot of danger, so let’s stay focused on the next games, including the one against Caen on Friday night.

### Read Newcastle’s verdict

These words are obviously a boost for Newcastle’s chances of landing their man in the January window. The Magpies [have sent scouts](https://www.themag.co.uk/2019/11/newcastle-united-regularly-watching-stephane-diarra-ahead-of-january-window-lequipe/) to watch the player in action, so are obviously looking at a potential deal.

The midfielder has played 18 times so far this season, scoring three and assisting two in the process, as per [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/stephane-diarra/profil/spieler/428954), and only joined Le Mans from Rennes last summer.

Despite a lack of experience in the French top flight, Diarra looks to be a solid signing if Newcastle were to make a bid, but they will have to beat Celtic to his signature and it could be a risk due to his lack of top flight games.