According to Fabrizio Romano, former Toon target Moussa Diaby looks set to sign for Aston Villa, who have beaten PIF-owned Al Nassr to a €50m deal for the Bayer Leverkusen star.
Diaby had been heavily linked with Newcastle in previous windows, but we’ve ended up pursuing Harvey Barnes instead, with the Leicester City star expected to sign on Friday.
It’s believed that the Frenchman wants to be a part of Unai Emery’s project after the former Arsenal boss steered the Villans away from relegation and into a European position.
Newcastle could come up against our former target on the opening day of the season, with us due to face Villa at St James’ Park on Saturday 12th August.. We also play Emery’s men in our first match of the Premier League Summer Series, although the winger won’t arrive in time to play in Sunday night’s game in the US.