A big claim has emerged regarding Newcastle United's interest in Moussa Diaby in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O'Rourke has revealed that the Magpies may not have completely given up hope of signing the winger, although he has stated that a deal remains unlikely and that PIF have other irons in the fire ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He told Football FanCast: "I'm sure Newcastle might just try their luck late window to see if there is any way that they can persuade Leverkusen to sell the French international.

"As things stand right now, I think he's probably going to be too expensive and the player is seemingly happy at Leverkusen so Newcastle will be looking at other targets."

Supporters will be excited

This claim will surely excite Newcastle supporters, as it suggests that all hope is not lost on Diaby. The situation could change in the next four weeks or so and open the door to a deal, with the Tyneside club seemingly keeping that in mind as they eye multiple attackers.

Fans will surely be keen to see a wide forward come in, as Eddie Howe's squad is not blessed with quality in that area of the pitch. Allan Saint-Maximin was Newcastle's most productive winger in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign with five goals and five assists to his name, whilst Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser struggled.

The former produced one goal and zero assists in 30 outings for the Toon, whilst the latter managed a slightly better two goals and three assists in 27 appearances. Six direct goal contributions in 57 games between them is far from impressive, particularly when you take into consideration what Diaby could bring to Howe's team.

In the Bundesliga last season, the winger racked up 13 goals and 12 assists in 32 matches for Leverkusen, creating 15 'big chances' for his team-mates. This suggests that he would offer far more than Fraser and Almiron, whilst potentially taking over from Saint-Maximin as the club's go-to man in the final third.

At the age of 22, Diaby is also younger than all of Howe's current options and has the time on his side to continue developing his game. He would be a signing for the here-and-now as well as the long-term future, making him an excellent prospective addition to the squad.

Therefore, supporters will be excited by the prospect of Newcastle making a late swoop for the Frenchman, despite how unlikely a deal appears to be at this stage of the transfer window.

AND in other news, Newcastle “have enquired” about £35m “sensation”; he's Darlow's worst nightmare...