Moussa Diaby has returned to pre-season training with Bayer Leverkusen as the Newcastle United target steps up his preparations for the new campaign.
Newcastle have not given up on signing the France international, who was directly involved in 32 goals last season, but Leverkusen are going to have to lower their demands. Although Leverkusen are open to selling Diaby, and recognise that the forward will leave eventually, the Bundesliga giants want between £55m and £60m for him this summer.
Diaby is well-aware of Newcastle's interest but has not pushed to leave, which partly explains Leverkusen's confidence that the 23-year-old will stay for another season. Diaby, after all, wants to play in the Champions League; has three years left on his contract; and is wary of uprooting and adjusting to a new league and culture so soon before the World Cup starts in November.
