Portuguese media claim Newcastle United ‘greed’ as Eddie Howe eyes ‘very popular’ player

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Newcastle United are seemingly on the hunt for a new defender this summer, having failed to sign one last year.

While Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have largely been excellent for Newcastle United this season, Eddie Howe isn’t blessed with options at the back. Sven Botman’s return from injury is certainly timely but the squad will need to be strengthened for next season’s European campaign.

Naturally, plenty of names have been linked with a move to St James’ Park. Newcastle remain interested in Marc Guehi but Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande has also been touted as a target again.

Newcastle are interested in Diomande, who joined the Lisbon giants from FC Midtjylland in the summer of 2023 and has since made 99 appearances while winning one league title.

Now, the Portuguese media have shared a rather scathing view.

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Portuguese media react to Newcastle United’s interest in Ousmane Diomande

O Jogo talk about the Ivory Coast international closing in on 100 appearances for the capital club. That landmark could be reached when Sporting make the short trip to rivals Benfica on Saturday.

The outlet suggests his 100^th game will come “amidst English greed”. They claim the 21-year-old has a release clause worth around €80m in his contract, which roughly equates to £67.9million.

It’s also said that the defender is seen as a “very popular” target in the Premier League and that Newcastle are showing “particular interest.” 

Ousmane Diomande compared to Marc Guehi

Newcastle could renew their interest in Guehi this summer, but it would appear they remain keen on Diomande too.

It’s difficult to imagine both big-name defenders arriving, however, so perhaps it’s worth looking at how they compare.

Obviously, Sporting are likely going to dominate games in the Portuguese league more than Crystal Palace do in the Premier League, so that caveat must be applied. 

Still, there wouldn’t appear to be too much in it in terms of their averages in key defensive metrics. Diomande is younger, but Guehi is tried and tested in the Premier League.