Newcastle United have been linked with Moussa Diaby in recent days.
Last week, L’Equipe claimed that the Magpies, Spurs and Arsenal were all interested in the Bayer Levekusen star.
The Telegraph also claimed that Newcastle had made enquiries over a potential move for Diaby.
Now, 90Min has reported that the St James’ Park outfit are willing to break their transfer record for the 22-year-old.
Newcastle could potentially put £50million forward for Diaby, claimed the report.
However, 90Min also warned this may not be enough for the Magpies to land the “lightning” France international.
Leverkusen have apparently made it clear to any interested parties that they are not entertaining offers.
MORE NEWCASTLE UNITED STORIES
But 90Min claims intermediaries believe that the German side would do business at around £60million.
BILD – via Sport Witness – reported earlier this month that his club may even be wanting £84million.
Diaby has a long-term contract at BayArena, until 2025, meaning his club can negotiate a substantial fee.
“You don’t see that very often”
Diaby was in incredible form last season, registering 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 Leverkusen outings.
His efforts helped the Bundesliga side finish third in the table.
The season before, Diaby managed ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances.
And of course, there’s his speed.
As per Leverkusen’s website, he clocked up a 35.95kph (22.3mph) sprint in a game against Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2020.
“With his pace, Moussa can be a really, really big factor in our attacking game,” the site quotes goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky as saying.
And Kerem Demirbay said: “He’s not only a very quick but also very clever player and you don’t see that very often in the Bundesliga.”
As a young player with a proven track record at the highest level and a very high ceiling, it’s not surprising Diaby will probably cost a lot.
But he certainly seems worth it.