Newcastle United are very unlikely to sign winger Moussa Diaby in the January transfer window with his price set to drop in the summer, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Diaby interest

Newcastle have long admired Diaby with the Bayer Leverkusen winger one of the foremost linked players to the Premier League side following their Saudi-backed takeover.

The Frenchman’s return of 17 goals and 14 assists last season in Germany caught the eye of the Magpies but such was his importance to the Bundesliga outfit, they were priced out of a move.

L’Equipe reported in the summer that a €100m (£83m) price tag was slapped on the 23-year-old as they warned off interest in their star man.

The Latest: The move to be revived?

Newcastle still retain their interest in Diaby but Jacobs has revealed a move in January isn’t on the cards.

Speaking on Steve Wraith’s YouTube channel, Jacobs explained that deal does however have a good chance in the summer.

(39:33) “Newcastle were only going to entertain Diaby if that price became cut price, which was something in the region of £40m-£45m, and then add ons on top.”

“Now the price being quoted as €100m, which is what about £87m, far too high for anybody to consider.”

“Then in the summer we'll see whether that price drops, and it might even get close to a 50% reduction on that closed price €50m (£45m), maybe with some add ons on top might be their kind of starting point in the summer.”

“There's no common sense for any club to move in the market for Diaby in January at the moment unless there is an intimation at the Leverkusen end that the price is going to drop significantly,” Jacobs said.

The Verdict: Get him in

Despite Eddie Howe’s selection of late favouring more work-man like players with Miguel Almiron and Joelinton both preferred over Allan Saint-Maximin on the wing, means a mentality and tactical shift back to a more explosive forward would have to be on the cards to make Diaby’s move work.

The winger, who has been tipped as Newcastle's 'dream signing', has bagged FBref), shows just dangerous he is when he gets in and around the goal.

He could be a steal at a price of £45m and at only 23 he’d be a key player to build their attack around at St James’ Park, it’s certainly a deal to keep an eye on.