Newcastle, grappling with injuries to key defenders like Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, is actively pursuing Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande for a much-needed defensive boost.
Manager Eddie Howe, dealing with a challenging season, sent scouts to observe the 19-year-old Ivorian during Lisbon’s recent derby against Benfica, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat.
The Magpies are gearing up to make a substantial offer, exceeding £58 million, though Sporting has set a £70 million release clause for the promising center-back.Complicating matters, Diomande’s former club, Midtjylland, stands to benefit significantly from any potential transfer.
Having included a resale clause when they sold him to Sporting for £6.5 million in January, Midtjylland is poised to receive 20% of the final transfer fee if Lisbon decides to part ways with the talented defender before his contract expires in 2027.
