Newcastle United, Arsenal and Chelsea in attendance as Champions League star impresses

Newcastle United are believed to have been represented at Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid in midweek.

90Min have revealed the Magpies dispatched a member of their recruitment staff to assess summer transfer target Moussa Diaby ahead of a potential January move.

United were linked with the pacy forward throughout the close-season but decided against a move after Leverkusen of around £60million for their prize asset.

Speaking amid the speculation over his future, the former PSG winger told Rheinische Post: “I’ve made up my mind and I’ll be playing for Bayer Leverkusen next season as well.

“We want Bayer to be a top team again and I want to help the team as much as possible by continuing to score goals as well as providing assists assists.

“Getting as far as possible in all competitions is the goal.”

The 23-year-old has continued to star for his side during the opening month of the season - although they are yet to find their form in the Bundesliga or in Europe.

Diaby has started all seven league fixtures so far but has only been able to inspire his side to one win during that time.

The winger was also in the Leverkusen side that suffered a shock 4-3 defeat against third tier side SV Elversberg in the first round of the German Cup.

Their form in the Champions League has followed a similar path - although they recovered from a 1-0 defeat at Club Brugge with a 2-0 home win against La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Diaby netted his side’s second goal in that impressive victory over Diego Simeone’s men and impressed a number of onlooking scouts.

Newcastle were one of a number of clubs represented at the BayArena with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all said to be in attendance.