Newcastle ‘bid £28m’ for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos
Newcastle United have made a £28million bid to sign Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, according to reports.
The Magpies are eager to improve their defence by utilising the transfer market this month. They have already signed Kieran Tripper from Atletico Madrid.
Lille defender Sven Botman was a reported target; however, talks broke down over the French champion’s asking price.
Newcastle have turned their attention to Sevilla’s Carlos, and have lodged a bid worth £28m to sign him, according to talkSPORT.
Multiple sources have reported a bid from the Geordies, with Telegraph reporter Jason Burt claiming they are ‘waiting for Sevilla’s response’.
Newcastle Utd have made a fresh bid for Diego Carlos and are waiting for Sevilla’s response @TeleFootball
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) January 12, 2022
However, Newcastle could be dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Brazilian centre-back as the La Liga club want £40m for their player, as per Chronicle Live.
They report that Sevilla are playing ‘hardball’ and are not keen on selling mid-season as they fight Real Madrid for the league title. They are also still in the Europa League and Copa del Rey.
The Magpies will have a better chance of landing Carlos in the summer but are unlikely to wait until then as they eye reinforcements this month to help their fight against relegation.
Meanwhile, Burnley striker Chris Wood is reportedly close to completing a move to St James’ Park after Newcastle activated a £25m release clause in his contract.
Star striker Callum Wilson has been ruled out for several weeks, resulting in Eddie Howe swiftly finding a replacement.
Wood is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and his signing will weaken a direct rival in Burnley, making it a shrewd piece of business.
Paul Merson believes the New Zealand international is who Newcastle “need” as he can “hit the ground running” for Howe’s side.
“They have to take a chance and hope someone can hit the ground running,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“Now, to hit the ground running, and I know he isn’t prolific, but Wood plays every week for Burnley and he plays in the Premier League.
“That’s what Newcastle need. They need the likes of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.
“They need players who are going to roll their sleeves up and not come in and be shocked how fast the Premier League is.”
