Newcastle United have set their sights on Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
That is according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who has informed GIVEMESPORT of the latest target that sporting director Dan Ashworth has set his sights on.
When asked if Newcastle were to prioritise a move for Leicester City’s James Maddison or Leverkusen’s Diaby, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t know if there’s necessarily a priority between these two.
“They both kind of have a similar role in mind despite the fact that they’re pretty different players. That right side of the attack is something that they’re looking at, it’s always been the intention to bring more creativity to the frontline.
“Obviously, Alexander Isak came in, and we haven’t really been able to see enough of him, but Diaby is somebody they absolutely love in what he can bring on both flanks, to be honest, and the pace, and the way runs at people.”
A statement at St James’ Park
The signing of former PSG star Diaby would make for a big statement at St James’ Park and would see the right side of the Toon’s attacking line bolstered significantly.
Having arrived at Leverkusen in the 19/20 season as a left-winger, the 23-year-old was eased into the role of right-wing, which is now his primary position in the side, due to his left-footed inverted approach out wide.
And it’s in this position that the eight-cap France international shines brightest, with his attacking returns last term demonstrative of this.
Diaby went from a combined total of 14 returns in the Bundesliga, primarily operating as a left-winger, to 25 goal contributions in the form of 13 goals and 12 assists, operating mainly on the right flank.
With the right-wing position clearly Diaby’s strongest, it would be interesting to see whether this would cause a selection conundrum for boss Eddie Howe, with Miguel Almiron currently shining on the right flank.
It remains to be seen, though, there is no doubt that the signing of the £60million star would be a big statement for the Toon.
