According to reports in Portugal, Newcastle United are leading the race to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Portuguese outlet A Bola are reporting that we’re ‘pushing ahead’ in our pursuit of the Ivory Coast star and gaining an early advantage on Premier League rivals who’ve also been tracking the highly-rated defender.
The 20-year-old has an €80m release clause in his current deal, but it’s believed we have been in contact with Sporting to understand what it would take to land Diomande, with Newcastle keen to strike a deal.
A Bola state that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all scouted the 6ft 4′ centre-back this season. Sporting will be hoping the widespread interest could spark a bidding war this summer, but that may have also encouraged Newcastle to make early moves in hope of stealing a march.
Diomande has been linked with a possible move to St James’ Park over the past six months. It’s believe Toon scouts were at the African Cup of Nations to watch the Lisbon star, while reports in January suggested we’d been in contact with the player’s representatives to sound out a potential summer move.
With at least one centre-back likely to arrive this summer following ACL injuries to Lascelles and Botman, Diomande certainly feels like one to watch. He’s be an expensive alternative to the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo – soon to leave Fulham on a ‘free’ – but the Ivorian is six years younger and may be deemed an ideal long-term replacement for Fabian Schar.
🇵🇹🗞️ Ousmane Diomande | Newcastle United said to be pushing ahead of others
• A Bola report Magpies have made multiple approaches, and want to negotiate price down from €80m clause
• Sporting hope other clubs come forward so they can encourage an auction towards that €80m… pic.twitter.com/NZP0hxoU1L
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 24, 2024
