Newcastle United ‘absolutely love’ Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby due to the way he ‘runs at people’, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to St. James’ Park throughout the summer and it seems as though Eddie Howe’s interest in him has not died down.
What is the latest news involving Diaby?
Back in July, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle had ended their pursuit of Diaby due to Leverkusen placing a £60 million asking price on their prized asset.
The Bundesliga outfit were in an extremely strong position around the negotiating table due to the France international still having three years left on his £48,000-per-week contract.
However, a recent update provided by the i stated that Newcastle are continuing to monitor Diaby’s progress as they scour the market for attacking reinforcements.
Leicester City’s James Maddison, who the Magpies had two bids turned down for in the previous window, was also named as a potential target for Howe.
What has Jones said about Diaby?
When asked if Newcastle were set to prioritise Diaby or Maddison, Jones disclosed that he wasn’t sure if there was a hierarchy on the North East outfit’s wish list.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I don’t know if there’s necessarily a priority between these two.
Read more: Premier League 22/23 Game week 14: Fixtures, predictions, odds, table & everything you need to know
“They both kind of have a similar role in mind despite the fact that they’re pretty different players. That right-side of the attack is something that they’re looking at, it’s always been the intention to bring more creativity to the frontline.
“Obviously, Alexander Isak came in, and we haven’t really been able to see enough of him, but Diaby is somebody they absolutely love in what he can bring on both flanks, to be honest, and the pace, and the way runs at people.”
How well is Diaby performing this season?
Diaby has been in decent form for Leverkusen so far this season, registering four goals and four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.
The speedster has also ranked in the 99th percentile for expected assists, 98th for progressive passes received, 96th for touches in the attacking penalty area, 93rd for non-penalty expected goals, 88th for total shots, 87th for shot-creating actions, and 84th for completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last year, as per FBref.
Whether Newcastle are prepared to match Leverkusen’s asking price in January remains to be seen, but Diaby could certainly prove to be another fine acquisition for Howe’s ambitious side.
News Now – Sport News
About Author
You may also like
-
Michael Carrick opens up on Manchester United future
-
What Happens If Arsenal and Man City Finish on the Same Points
-
Kompany targets Osimhen as Kane successor, but Man United and PSG not keen
-
Christian Falk reveals Bayern Munich stance on Michael Olise amid Liverpool interest
-
Guessand Needs Five More G/A for Permanent Move