Newcastle United are pushing hard to secure a deal for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos in time for their critical game at Leeds United on Saturday.
The Magpies have tabled a £35million offer for Carlos, who has emerged as their number one defensive target after Lille blocked the exit of Netherlands international Sven Botman.
It is understood that Carlos is interested in Newcastle’s proposal and personal terms would not be a problem although sources in Spain have suggested that he is not actively pushing to leave.
Carlos has travelled with the team to Valencia for Wednesday night’s La Liga game which is a sign that no bid has yet been accepted for the Brazil international.
More from Football
Sevilla have let it be known that only an eye-watering offer for Carlos would turn their heads, which may force Newcastle to return with an offer closer to their club record of £40m for Joelinton.
There are alternative options on the Magpies’ list – including Liverpool’s Nat Phillips – but the club have set themselves the internal deadline of securing a deal before the crucial trip to Leeds United on Saturday. That now looks a difficult challenge given the work permit requirements.
Newcastle had a golden opportunity to close the gap on relegation rivals Watford on Saturday undermined by defensive hesitancy and Eddie Howe is in agreement that a central defender is required to bolster his options.
Once again, though, the club are running into problems with rivals applying a “Newcastle premium” to valuations. While players seem more open to moving – with personal terms not a problem for the club – they are faced with the prospect of paying over the valuation for players or walking away.
More on Newcastle United FC
Newcastle's owners are making exciting plans for the future - but the present is a big worry17 January, 2022
Football's 'secret weapon' - Release clauses explained after Chris Wood's £25m Newcastle move13 January, 2022
'I tried to quit England over stress': Steve McClaren and son Josh talk pyschology in football13 January, 2022And sources at Newcastle have told i they are determined not to significantly overpay and set a precedent for future negotiations. “Agents and clubs will realise how we work,” a senior source said.
However it is understood there is wiggle room when the player is of sufficient quality – and Carlos, despite his age of 28, is in that category.
The club are working on simultaneous deals and there is interest in Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Davin Zapata of Atalanta. Newcastle also want a midfielder and have ongoing interest in Norwich’s Todd Cantwell, while Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is another long-standing target.
But the club continue to face a battle trying to satisfy both their need for high quality reinforcements and prices that reflect their determination not to overpay significantly.
They remain hopeful of bringing in at least four permanent additions before moving to the loan market, where the club believe late deals may be able to struck.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3Kpdhxy
Post a Comment