Newcastle United target’s 15-word response that puts potential £50m deal into serious doubt

Newcastle United target Moussa Diaby has confirmed he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen next season.

The 23-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Magpies this summer but have been halted by the Bundesliga side’s reported £50million+ asking price.

Eddie Howe is in the transfer market for a wide forward and Diaby ticks all the boxes having scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists last campaign.

The possible arrival of Diaby has always felt unlikely but Leverkusen’s director of sport Simon Rolfes kind of left the door open earlier this month.

Speaking to the German media, Rolfes said he wanted to keep Diaby but admitted it would be difficult not to consider sizeable offers.

Moussa Diaby confirms Leverkusen stay

However, Diaby seems pretty clear on his future after stating his desire to stay put at Leverkusen.

He told RP Online.“I have taken my decision and I will play again for Bayer Leverkusen next season.”

The winger has set his sights on helping Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and Champions League, which he hopes will result in a place in France’s World Cup squad.

Diaby added: “It is up to me to keep performing well and to make it [to the World Cup]. I will do all that I can to be able to continue to be part of the squad.

“We have a really impressive team, uniquely with players at the highest level. I also need to be patient to find my place one day in the team.”

Diaby was in Austria near the Magpies’ training base on Sunday evening playing for Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly against Greek club Panathinaikos.

No United officials were present at the Alois Latini Stadion.