Newcastle "definitely want" to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby but are yet to reach any breakthrough with the Bundesliga outfit amid a fresh twist to the race this week, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The £60m-rated speedster has been on Eddie Howe's radar since the January window, with the Toon Army boss still keen on the 22-year-old's services. However, Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes told journalist Ryan Taylor this week that he isn't for sale and that they won't consider offers for the Frenchman.

What's the latest news involving Diaby?

According to North East journalist Craig Hope, Newcastle have been interested in signing the young Frenchman for several months and he remains on PIF's list of targets.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

GiveMeSport The Verdict

Furthermore, the Telegraph add that the Toon Army have already enquired about his services, with the attacker 'high' up on Howe's priority list.

But the report states that Leverkusen aren't willing to let Diaby leave on the cheap, with Newcastle most likely to pay 'well above' £40m, which means he would become their record signing.

Jones, however, believes the Tyneside outfit would be prepared to go even higher, although they're yet to reach a breakthrough.

That could soon change, though, after Leverkusen recently announced the signing of young Czech winger Adam Hlozek, whose arrival could allow Diaby to seek pastures new.

What did Jones say about Diaby?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "They do definitely want him and would like to push the boat out, too. But even though they'd be willing to pay £50m for him, they just can't make any breakthrough at the moment."

Ousmane Dembele WILL WIN BALLON D'OR at Chelsea! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

Why do Newcastle want Diaby?

Despite an impressive second half of the season, which saw them collect 39 points from their final 20 Premier League fixtures, Howe is still hoping to add firepower to a frontline that scored just 26 goals during that period.

And after enjoying his best campaign to date, Diaby could be the man to take the Magpies to the next level. In 42 appearances in all competitions, the 22-year-old winger, who can play on both sides, scored 17 goals, and laid on 14 assists.

Overall, Diaby has now directly contributed to 72 goals in 124 appearances for the German side, meaning he's been involved in a goal every 128 minutes in his three years as a Leverkusen player.

If Diaby signs for Newcastle and replicates those kind of numbers, Howe's side could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Moussa Diaby's 2021/22 season highlights