Newcastle United consider swoop for 13-goal winger as part of summer transfer plans

Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby is among a number of players being considered by Newcastle United this summer.

Eddie Howe, along with chief scout Steve Nickson, have drawn up a long list of potential targets ahead of the transfer window opening on Friday, June 10.

The Magpies have purposely come up with a lengthier list than usual in anticipation of rival clubs quoting hefty price tags.

That was the case in January, which is set to continue into the summer window. United want to ensure they have alternative options, essentially in case clubs try to take advantage

Yes, Newcastle are under the extreme wealth of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia but it is imperative they guard against setting a dangerous precedence.

Moussa Diaby is on Newcastle United’s radar

NewcastleWorld understands, as already widely reported elsewhere, that Diaby is a player on the club’s radar after three successful years in the Bundesliga.

The French winger certainly ticks a lot of boxes. His age for starters - 22 - fits the bill as Howe looks to bring the average age of his current squad down.

And really, still at a young age, his quality speaks for itself. His 13 goals and 12 assists last season helped Leverkusen quality for the Champions League.

Diaby has also represented France at all levels from under-18s to the senior set-up.

For where Newcastle are currently - embarking on their first full season under their ambitious owners - Diaby, like Bruno Guimaraes, would be viewed as a major coup.

Diaby, under contract until 2025, has caught the attention of a number of European clubs. And quite simply, Leverkusen will likely demand a sizeable fee for arguably their star player.

Newcastle must manage finances carefully

Newcastle must manage their finances carefully this summer and stay within Financial Fair Play rules. Howe, speaking earlier this month, moved to warn supporters who are expecting a summer splurge.

He said: “With Financial Fair Play, we have restraints and we have things that we have to work within, so we can’t just go out and spend money on players like maybe teams could have done in the past, and totally change their squad within one transfer window. That is not an option for us.

“The more money you spend in one window, the more it impacts your ability to then spend in windows beyond. The rules are there to govern the game properly and we have to follow suit, so that does impact what we can do this summer.

“But it doesn’t mean that we’re totally without ambition. We’re well aware that we have to change the squad and we have to make improvements, but it’s going to be a difficult balance.”

Newcastle are also expected to wave goodbye to several players in the coming months. Ciaran Clark, as previously reported by NewcastleWorld, is wanted by Steve Bruce at West Bromwich Albion.