Newcastle United handed glimmer of hope in efforts to sign exciting £50m-rated star

Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby features of Newcastle United’s list of targets this summer.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby - and it appears they have been handed a small boost.

Simon Rolfes, director of sport at the Bundesliga outift, previously warned he has no plans to sell the 22-year-old winger.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rolfes said last month: “No, no. 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 with Patrik Schick. We do not have any offers for him but we are not even looking for that at the moment.

“We would like to keep him and play with him next year in the Champions League.”

Newcastle United are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star.  (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)Newcastle United are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star.  (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Newcastle United are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Simon Rolfes alters his stance?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, in a recent interview with Sky Germany, it seems his stance has slightly altered by suggesting Leverkusen would listen to a “large” offer.

“I’m optimistic about Moussa that he’ll play here next season,” Rolfes said.

“But when clubs with incredibly large financial opportunities bid for such a player, we have to sell a top player at some point.”

Certainly a potential deal for Diaby remains extremely difficult, with his asking price believed to be upwards of £50million.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But based on Rolfes’ comments, the Magpies could indeed test their resolve with an official bid in the coming months.

The eight-time capped France international started his career at Paris Saint-Germain and made 34 senior appearances before being sold to Leverkusen in 2019.

During his three years in Germany, Diaby has played 124 times, scoring 35 goals and providing 37 assists.