Newcastle United ready to reignite Ousmane Diomande chase, £40m offer could seal deal
Newcastle United are ready to spark up their pursuit of Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande again this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies and Crystal Palace both showed a keen interest in the 22-year-old during the recent January window, and the number of potential Premier League suitors is set to grow further this summer.
Eddie Howe and Co. are aware that it will likely take an offer in excess of the £40million mark for Sporting to consider a sale, as sources say that they are under no pressure to sell after recently tying the defender down to a new contract until 2030.
Sporting are still fighting for the Portuguese league title, while their run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League was another reason why they were unwilling to sell in January.
Newcastle want to add to their defence ahead of next season, and they are ready to finally try to bring Diomande to the Premier League, after several months of speculation.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBOusmane Diomande strongly compared to Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace identified Diomande as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi last summer, and came within a whisker of getting a deal over the line.
They eventually lost their captain to Manchester City during the January window, but ultimately never made another concrete move for the Sporting star.
| Stats | Diomande | Guehi |
| Apps (Starts) | 13 (12) | 29 (29) |
| G/A | – | 5 |
| Defensive Contributions per 90 | 6.35 | 8.28 |
| Tackles per 90 | 0.77 | 1.38 |
| Duels Won per 90 | 3.86 | 5.41 |
| Accurate Passes per 90 | 70 | 55.9 |
Nevertheless, the fact that the Eagles saw him as a player capable of stepping into Guehi’s shoes highlights why the interest is building in him once again.
The Ivorian is a physically imposing centre-half, but he also possesses good pace to defend the ball in behind the backline.
Injuries have been an issue for him at times this season, but Newcastle are adamant that he would be a good addition to their defensive ranks.
The former Midtjylland academy graduate has been continually linked with a move to the Premier League, and this could finally be the window when it becomes a reality.
Newcastle leading the chase for new goalkeeper
Football Insider revealed last week that Newcastle are leading the race for Gregor Kobel this summer, in a bid to refresh their goalkeeping department.
Both Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale have faced plenty of criticism so far this term, and that has seen the Tynesiders identify Borussia Dortmund stopper Kobel as a clear summer target.
The Magpies are best-placed to secure a deal for the Swiss international, with their transfer rivals Chelsea set to give Strasbourg loanee Mike Penders the chance to claim the number one shirt upon his return.
Newcastle are aware that it would take a “huge fee” to prise Kobel away from the Bundesliga giants, but they are keen to try and spend big to boost their rearguard ahead of next term.
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