Newcastle United have reportedly been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Diego Carlos, who is keen on moving to St. James’ Park.
According to Daily Telegraph, Newcastle United remain in discussions with La Liga giants Sevilla over a deal for Brazilian central defender Diego Carlos and have received a significant transfer boost, with the player keen on completing the move to St. James’ Park.
Despite having already signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, both of whom made their Premier League debuts for Newcastle against Watford on Saturday, the Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe is still keen on bolstering multiple areas in his squad before the transfer window slams shut in two weeks.
Newcastle’s top priority has been to revamp the spine of their side, and while signing Trippier has improved the right-back position, they have yet to bring in a competent centre-back to shore up the leaky backline. Indeed, Newcastle have seen bids knocked back for Lille’s Sven Botman, with the defending Ligue 1 champions reluctant to trade their star defender midway through the season.
With the club desperately hoping to sign at least one central defender by the end of this week, the Magpies have shifted their focus to Brazilian powerhouse Diego Carlos and are actively pushing to get the deal over the line. Recent reports suggest that Newcastle are growing increasingly optimistic about wrapping up a deal for the 28-year-old after submitting a fresh £28 million bid to Sevilla.
Furthermore, despite being a mainstay for Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla side and the Andalusian club having a real chance of winning both La Liga and the Europa League this season, Carlos is believed to be fancying a move to Tyneside, with a lofty pay-rise and a long-term contract an appealing proposition for the defender.
Carlos has been a key part of Sevilla’s backline since signing from French club Nantes back in 2019. He has developed a formidable defensive partnership alongside Jules Kounde in recent seasons. The 28-year-old helped the Spanish giants win the Europa League in his debut campaign and mount a serious title push this season.
Newcastle’s defensive problems have been well-documented this season. They have shipped in a whopping 43 goals after 20 league games, the second-worst tally in the division, while they have kept just one clean sheet all season. If things do not improve radically, the Magpies are destined to go down as the worst-defensive side in the whole of Premier League history.
The Magpies have also dropped a massive 21 points from winning positions, and their defence’s inability to see out game is costing them big-time. Having won the Europa League and Olympics gold medal, Diego Carlos has proven his worth as a reliable defender at the highest level and will be a major upgrade over Newcastle’s current options in that position.
The Brazilian is contracted to the La Liga club until 2024 and is protected with a buyout clause worth €75 million. Sevilla are said to be open to a sale for their prized asset, if Newcastle meet their reported valuation of around €50 million. Whether the Toon are prepared to break the bank for the 28-year-old remains to be seen.
