Newcastle United have made exploratory contacts to figure out a move for Ousmane Diomande, with Sporting CP ready to sell.
According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Newcastle United are leading the way for Ousmane Diomande and have made exploratory contacts for the defender. Sporting CP are open to selling the centre-back, with the Magpies now considered front runners for the €80 million-rated defender, with others also interested.
Newcastle United leading Ousmane Diomande race?
Sporting CP have been in the news for the last few weeks, but with regards to their manager, who continues to attract Premier League interest. Some top stars in their squad are also being linked with moves, with Viktor Gyokeres, Goncalo Inacio, and Ousmane Diomande all having significant interest in top clubs.
There’s no clarity on the other two, but Sporting are reportedly willing to sell Diomande, the €80 million-rated defender. He has a similar release clause, but some earlier reports suggested they could sell him for less, which could have accelerated the attention of several clubs keen to sign him.
Arsenal are interested in him, but Nerwcastle United are curreently considered front runners for the €80 million-rated defender, as they have had exploratory contacts to begin their process. The Magpies are in the market for new defenders and have identified the Ivorian as one of their top targets.
Newcastle United had enquired about the defender lately, and now they might have begun talks with the right people to sound out a concrete summer move. Whether they are successful in their pursuit remains the question, irrespective of whether Sporting reduces the asking price for the €80 million-rated defender.
Newcastle United facing defensive crisis
Newcastle United recently lost Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman to injuries that will see them miss almost 10 months of action. They are short at the back and probably need a few central defenders to fill the spaces. They are already facing some financial scrutiny, and hence, there are links to both Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly, with the duo available on free transfers in the summer.
With that, it’s clear they might not have a lot of money to spend on central defenders, but they could make provisions for singing like Diomande. However, the final decision will rest with the Ivorian, who will assess his options, including the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, before deciding to leave Sporting.
