Newcastle United ‘have not given up’ in their bid to sign Sven Botman or Diego Carlos, however it seems the club now have two alternatives in mind.
This comes from The Chronicle’s latest piece on our hunt for a new centre-back, with Lee Ryder revealing that Torino’s Gleison Bremer and Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai have been identified as ‘back-up’ options.
The North-East reporter admits there’s ‘growing suggestions’ that Botman will sign for AC Milan this summer, but insists Newcastle could still make the Dutchman a ‘superb offer’ as nothing has been rubber stamped just yet.
As for Carlos, it seems Sevilla will have to reduce their demands significantly if the 29-year-old is to finally end up at St James’ Park.
Ryder claims that Bremer – the 25-year-old Brazilian having an outstanding season at Torino – is now being considered as a cheaper and younger alternative to Carlos; who turns 30 next year.
When it comes to Szalai, The Chronicle reveal that we’ve had scouts out in Turkey to watch the 6ft 4′ Hungarian and could face competition from Aston Villa should we pursue the 24-year-old this summer.
Interestingly, he is looked after by the same agency as Joelinton (ROGON), meaning Newcastle already have a ‘direct link’ to the player’s agent.
So, it seems Botman and Carlos remain targets and could yet end up on Tyneside this summer, but back-up targets will be pursued if we’re made to wait or asked to pay over the odds like we were in January.
