Bayer Leverkusen are once again refusing to budge when it comes to star man Moussa Diaby. The French winger, 22, has been on the radar of Newcastle United chiefs since January with the hope a deal could be explored this summer.
Diaby is one of the brightest talents in France and is destined for a huge future both at club and international level. As such, his price tag stands at around £55m this summer, which would represent a significant chunk of Newcastle 's budget.
Leverkusen finished third last season thanks to the attacker's 13 goals and 13 assists. Champions League awaits next term which makes the German outfit determined to keep Diaby this summer.
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Asked whether any offers had been submitted for Diaby's signature, sporting director Simon Rolfes told the Daily Express: "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."
Leverkusen's stance has been the same throughout 2022. European football next season means the Bundesliga side are desperate not to lose any key players in the coming months. Diaby is top of that list, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid all tentatively linked in recent weeks.
"He has a long-term contract," Rolfes said earlier this year. "He, too, I am optimistic he will stay. Diaby has played a top season and provided several assists. We want to improve the team; that is our goal."
Diaby himself is away on international duty with France and recently admitted he was focused on his national side. However, the player has previously hinted a Leverkusen exit.
"It's nice to hear my name being linked to big clubs, but I'm focused on getting together to do good things here [with France]," he told reporters at a national team press conference. "Then we will see what happens but, right now, I'm not thinking about it too much."
