Director of Sevilla Monchi told iNews that negotiations between Newcastle United and Sevilla for Diego Carlos are ‘finished’.
The Magpies had made the Brazilian defender their main centre-back after failing to land Lille’s Sven Botman.
The Toon Army’s most recent bid was reported to be around £30million. Sky Sports reported the Spanish side were looking for a fee of £38million. There was hope that the two clubs could reach a deal according to the Northern Echo.
However, the recent words from Monchi suggest that any chance of a deal is over. Sevilla are currently in a La Liga title race and want to keep Carlos. Newcastle have not met the valuation they would sell him for.
As far as Monchi is concerned the negotiations are ‘finished’
The January transfer window is known for being a difficult to complete deals. Newcastle know that better than anybody this window as their hunt for a centre-back continues.
Monchi told iNews: “The offer was a very good offer, a very respectable offer but not at the best possible time.”
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Twitter that Carlos wanted the move, agreeing personal terms with the Magpies. However, Monchi has stated that he spoke to the defender and he’s ‘happy’ to stay.
“I was talking to Diego this morning and he’s happy. At the end of the day he’s staying here at his club, a club that really wanted him.
“If he was really angry then maybe he would have changed his opinion but he seems happy.”
Furthermore, the 53-year-old believes the negotiations to be over.
“We consider the negotiation finished because I don’t think we’re going to start negotiations again because we’re all clear how we think about this transfer.”
Other options are being explored with the window shutting in a few days time
The Toon Army have seemingly turned their attention to other centre-backs. It’s their weakest position and has been a priority since the start of the window.
According to the MailOnline, they’ve asked about Liverpool’s Nat Phillips. Additionally, The Athletic has reported the Magpies have had a bid turned down for Dan Burn of Brighton.
Either option would certainly improve the backline. Phillips has shown promise at Liverpool but has struggled for minutes due to the quality of players ahead of him.
As for Burn, he’s been in fine form for Brighton recently. At the start of the month, he netted for the Seagulls in a 3-2 win against Everton. Also, he was born and raised in Blyth and grew up as a Toon fan, which could help us.
Whether it’s Phillips, Burn or someone else, a centre-back is needed. With the selection Newcastle currently has, it gets to the stage where you think anyone is surely better than no one.
The next few days are huge for the Magpies and the arrival of a centre-back would lift some fans. When we face Everton in our next game, hopefully we’ll see a new man in central defence.
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