Newcastle ‘expected’ to sign Carlos for ‘£40m’ next week after bid update – pundit
Newcastle United will stump up the money to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider amid a flurry of transfer speculation at St James’ Park.
On Thursday (6 January) The Athletic reported Newcastle have had an opening bid for Carlos, 28, turned down by Sevilla.
It was claimed talks are continuing with the Spanish side as Newcastle look to bolster their defence ahead of the second half of the season.
Kieran Trippier was announced as the Magpies’ first signing of the window on Friday (7 January) in a boost to Eddie Hower’s defensive options.
Kenny insists Newcastle’s defence will be completely transformed if Carlos arrives on Tyneside.
“Money is no object to Newcastle,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“They have the money to up these bids and get deals sone and that’s exactly what I expect to happen.
“Newcastle can do this now, it’s great for them. If a club asks for another £5million, there you go, don’t worry about it.
“I don’t know too much about this Carlos guy but if Eddie Howe wants him there is clearly something there.
“He’s won the Europa League and Sevilla don’t want to lose him, that says it all. What do they want? £40million?
“God knows Newcastle need some decent defenders so hopefully they can get this one over the line in the next week or so.”
Newcastle remain in the relegation zone.
They are next in league action against Watford on 15 January.
In other news, the Magpies have been backed to win a four-club race for a Premier League star.