Newcastle want to sign ‘physically strong’ defender in January, but won’t pay £70m

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Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are interested in signing Ousmane Diomande in the January transfer window.

That is according to The Mirror, which has reported how much Newcastle are willing to pay for the Sporting Lisbon central defender.

So, what has been reported about Newcastle United and Ousmane Diomande? Let’s take a look.

Newcastle United want to sign Ousmane Diomande in January

Well, according to The Mirror, Newcastle United are interested in signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon in the January transfer window.

The report has claimed that Newcastle will scout Diomande in action for the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Sporting value the 20-year-old central defender at £70 million, according to the report, which has added that although Newcastle are keen on bringing him to St. James’ Park in the middle of the season, they are not going to pay that sum. The Magpies “are likely to open the bidding below” that amount.

My View: Newcastle could struggle to sign Ousmane Diomande in January

In my opinion, Newcastle United could struggle to get a deal done for Ousmane Diomande, who, according to Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, is a “very physically strong” defender who “plays with both feet” and has “got a lot of scope for progression”.

If Sporting value the Ivory Coast international central defender at £70 million, then it is unlikely that the Portuguese giants will sell him for much less, especially if he does well at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Moreover, there are other big clubs who are keen on the defender. Arsenal will reportedly scout him this month and are keen on him. Chelsea have also been linked with Diomande.

Diomande has made 15 appearances in Liga Portugal for Sporting this season. He has scored one goal and given one assist in those games. The defender has scored one goal in four starts and one substitute appearance in the UEFA Europa League this campaign.