Newcastle United ‘face new Premier League transfer rival’ as £50m price tag emerges

Newcastle United may have been dealt a fresh blow in their bid to land winger Moussa Diaby.

Eddie Howe has already set about strengthening his squad this season, with Sandro Tonali coming in to add Champions League quality to the Magpies. Newcastle need to be ready to compete for a Premier League spot while also giving it a good go in the Champions League, but they know they need more strength in depth to achieve that objective.

That means more signings are likely, though the club are going to have to be smart given the Financial Fair Play restrictions that prevent them from spending huge totals.

One area Howe needs to improve is out wide, with Newcastle needing more depth on the wing amid competition between the likes of Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy and others. Bayer Leverkusen star Diaby continues to be linked, and it seems the Magpies do hold an interest in the player.

Diaby has an incredible output of 31 goals and 38 assists in 125 Bundesliga appearances, while also scoring 12 and assisting eight in 28 Europa League outings. But that consistent form means he will not come cheap, with Leverkusen well aware of the talent they have on their hands.

According to the Daily Mail, Leverkusen are demanding £50million for Diaby amid increased interest this summer. Aston Villa - who hold Champions League ambitions - are also interested, but they would have to break their £38million transfer record to do a deal. Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to be interested along with, of course, Newcastle.

The problem for the Magpies is that they have already spent £55million on Tonali alone, and with other areas in need of strengthening this summer, they may be hesitant to splash £50million on a single player.