Manchester United considering £60m bid for Newcastle United transfer target

Newcastle United’s hopes of landing Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby have reportedly been dealt a blow.

The former Paris Saint-Germain academy star has been monitored by the Magpies recruitment staff over the last 12 months and was said to be high on the agenda for United during the summer transfer window as they looked to strengthen Eddie Howe’s attacking options. Diaby remained in Germany despite receiving signifcant interest from Newcastle - and Bayer’s managing director of sport Simon Rolfes gave an insight into his club’s stance on both of their prize assets.

He told the Daily Express: “For sure, we want to keep Moussa for as long as possible. I know a lot of scouts have been sitting on our tribune during our matches because we have a lot of interesting, exciting young players with high potential. So, it’s the same as (Patrik) Schick. We did not receive any offers for him but we are not even looking for that at the moment. We wanted to keep him and play Champions League football with him this season.”

Despite the form of Miguel Almiron, Newcastle are still reportedly keen to strengthen their options in wide positions and still retain an interest in Diaby. However, Spanish outlet Fichajes has now suggested Manchester United view the winger as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star parted company with the 13-time Premier League champions last week just days after he hit out at a number of key figures at Old Trafford in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The report on Diaby suggests the Red Devils are ‘gradually considering’ a move for the France international and have gained several reports on his performances during the first part of the Bundesliga season.