Newcastle United’s attempts to sign a central defender have not been easy.
The heart of the defence has not been strengthened since the signing of Sven Botman in the summer of 2022, albeit the re-emergence of Jamaal Lascelles as a first-team option has helped during the Dutchman’s injury problems.
Still, signing a new centre-back was reportedly under consideration last summer but Newcastle had to drop their plans to focus on other areas while working under FFP restrictions.
Though Fabian Schar has been handed a new contract until next summer, the Swiss cannot go on forever and is seemingly already looking at a life beyond his playing days by joining the board of his hometown club.
At some point, the club will need to look at signing a long-term heir for Schar and there have now been fresh reports.
Ousmane Diomande: Newcastle transfer news
According to the print edition of the Sunday Express (page 66 on 14/01/2024), Eddie Howe has “taken a shine” to Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.
In fact, the club will reportedly step up their scouting of the 20-year-old this month as they look to beat off the intense rival competition expected.
It is said that Diomande may cost a club record fee of £70m to sign but Newcastle are expected to start the bidding at a lower price.
Ousmane Diomande to Newcastle: Transfer looks difficult to do
Unless the club do cash in on Bruno Guimaraes this summer as is reportedly the plan, it’s hard to see how Newcastle spend that sort of money.
Unlikely to be playing Champions League football next season, raising those kinds of funds while working under FFP restrictions does seem unlikely.
Diomande may well be a target but perhaps one way out of Newcastle’s price range unless a key player is sold to make way.
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