'Official': Fabrizio Romano has just relayed bad news for Newcastle fans

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United have been linked with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa in recent weeks.

In October, Portuguese outlet Record – via Sport Witness – reported that the Magpies had set their sights on the 23-year-old.

Despite his young age, Costa has already clocked up 85 competitive appearances for the Portuguese club.

The 6ft 1in ace also boasts an impressive medal collection, having lifted five trophies with Porto’s senior team.

He has won two Primeira Liga titles, two Portuguese cups and a Portuguese Super Cup.

Record claimed that Newcastle had the Portugal international ‘well referenced’.

As well as the Magpies, the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona were reportedly eyeing Costa too.

However, it doesn’t look as though Newcastle – or any other suitors – will be getting him any time soon.

Porto have announced that Costa has signed a new deal with them until the summer of 2027.

Fabrizio Romano relayed the news on his Twitter page, adding that the keeper now has a €75m (£66m) release clause.

Admittedly, Newcastle have a superb first-choice keeper already in Nick Pope.

But with Loris Karius only contracted to the Magpies until January, it makes sense for the club to be looking at other keepers.

That said, Costa is a first-team regular at one of Portugal’s biggest clubs, which finished top of their Champions League group.

That’s the kind of gig very few players would trade at this moment in time, particularly when he wouldn’t necessarily be a regular starter at Newcastle.