Aston Villa 'launch ambitious transfer for Moussa Diaby but Bayer Leverkusen star has doubts over move'

ASTON VILLA have launched an ambitious move for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby, according to reports.

The Bundesliga side have informed the winger that he would be allowed to leave if a huge offer comes in.

Aston Villa are interested and submitted an opening bid earlier this week.

L'Equipe claim that Leverkusen have not accepted the offer but deem it a good starting point to open negotiations.

However, Villa could be turned down by Diaby as he wants to play in the Champions League.

Unai Emery's side will compete in the Conference League next season after a seventh place finish and Leverkusen will be in the Europa League due to coming sixth in Germany.

Diaby's contract at the club runs until 2025.

But he could leave to show his talents on the bigger stage with him desperate to secure a spot in France's squad for Euro 2024 next summer after missing out on the World Cup in Qatar.

The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Leverkusen in 2019.

Diaby scored 14 goals and got 11 assists last season.

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Newcastle have long had an interest in him but they have been linked with Leicester star Harvey Barnes instead.

Diaby is also reportedly on the radar of Serie A champions Napoli but they are yet to make a bid.

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