Newcastle United will reportedly face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan in the hunt to sign Brazilian defender Diego Carlos from Sevilla.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan and Newcastle United are vying for the signature of Sevilla central defender Diego Carlos, who has handed in a transfer request to push the move through this month.
Carlos has established himself as a mainstay for Sevilla since joining the club from Nantes in the summer of 2019. Regarded as one of the best central defenders in La Liga, the 28-year-old has been a consistent performer at the heart of Sevilla’s backline and has massively grown in stature since helping the Spanish side win the UEFA Europa League in his first season.
The Brazilian centre-back is again playing a major role for Julen Lopetegui’s side in the ongoing campaign and has started in all but one of his side’s La Liga fixtures since the start of the season, contributing to 11 clean sheets and scoring two goals in the process. Not to mention that, after 22 games, the Andalusian club has conceded a league-low 16 goals, with their formidable defence helping them mount a serious title challenge at the top.
And it seems the Brazilian’s commanding displays have not gone unnoticed across the continent. While his name has gone under the radar in the past, he is becoming a highly coveted player in the transfer market, with AC Milan and Newcastle United expressing serious interest in the 28-year-old Brazilian international.
AC Milan are the latest to enter the race for the Sevilla defender as they continue their hunt for defensive reinforcements due to Simon Kjaer’s absence because of a long-term injury. Things have gone from bad to worse recently, and they are facing an injury crisis in their defensive department, with Fikayo Tomori injured, and Alessio Romagnoli sidelined due to COVID-19 complications.
With their Serie A title challenge dwindling with each passing game, a new central defensive addition is the need of the hour for the Rossoneri. Indeed, they have failed to land their primary target Sven Botman, with Lille adamant about keeping hold of the 21-year-old.
While they are considering several candidates, one of the notable names on their shortlist is Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, who has comparable attributes to Kjaer. Very much in his prime, the Brazilian is a natural leader and could be an ideal replacement for the Dane in the long run.
Much like AC Milan, Newcastle are desperate for defensive reinforcements this month. They have been strongly linked with Carlos, who is their priority target this month. The 28-year-old is said to be keen on a move to St. James’ Park and has already agreed personal terms with the Tyneside club. However, the Magpies have recently hit a roadblock in negotiations with the Spanish club, who have rejected a £25 million opening bid.
Aside from AC Milan, Newcastle also face stiff competition from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in Carlos’s pursuit. With only a week left in the transfer window, it will be intriguing to see who will land the Sevilla defender if he departs the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
