Newcastle Want to Sign £67m 'Absolute Freak' Alongside Joao Pedro

Newcastle's interest in Ousmane Diomande may lead punters to consider wagering on the likelihood of the Magpies strengthening their defense, potentially impacting their performance next season. If Diomande joins, it could enhance Newcastle's chances of a top-four finish and European competition qualification.

Newcastle are showing interest in a summer move for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande, The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has revealed.

The Magpies are looking to strengthen Eddie Howe’s back four this summer and have reportedly identified the Ivory Coast international as a potential option. Interest in Diomande is thought to be high, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Crystal Palace also said to be tracking the 'fantastic' 21-year-old centre-back. Newcastle scouted Diomande regularly last season and are expected to rival any other potential suitors, with Sporting reportedly demanding a fee of around €80m (£67m) for the defender.

According to Edwards, Newcastle are currently evaluating their centre-back options and are exploring the foreign market for reinforcements. The Magpies were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi last summer, having seen four bids rejected for the England international, who is under contract at Selhurst Park until June 2026. Guehi is believed to remain a target as his contract nears its end, with Palace potentially more open to a sale to avoid losing him for free next year.

Diomande, praised as an 'absolute freak,' has two years left on his current deal with Sporting, whom he joined from Danish side Midtjylland in the winter of 2023.

Key Statistic: Diomande made 46 appearances across all competitions for Sporting last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Newcastle are prioritising attacking reinforcements at the moment, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga emerging as serious targets. The Magpies are expected to open talks over Pedro in the coming days, while Elanga remains on their radar after initial interest late last summer’s transfer window.

Ousmane Diomande's Sporting Lisbon Stats (2024/25 Primeira Liga): Games 31 Goals 2 Assists 0 Goal-creating actions 3 Minutes played 2,521

Newcastle are showing interest in a summer move for the 21-year-old centre-back.

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