Newcastle close to next signing as midfielder undergoes medical - journalist
Newcastle are reportedly close to signing Guinea international midfielder Ousmane Diabate as he prepares to undergo a medical.
Turkish journalist Resat Can Ozbudak has claimed that Diabate has travelled to England to be assessed by the Magpies' medical staff.
He first reported on their interest in the 18-year-old on Tuesday evening, claiming that they had entered talks over a move with his club, Genclerbirligi.
Matthias Jaissle is focusing on bolstering his options in midfield as Newcastle look to replace the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Diabate is unlikely to make that step up straight away, with just eight senior club appearances to his name in his short career so far.
The Magpies are expected to remain in the market for more experienced midfield signings, with the likes of Nico Gonzalez and Joao Palhinha on their radar as it stands.
Who is Ousmane Diabate?
Diabate is a defensive-minded midfielder, and he came through a top academy in his home country of Guinea before joining Genclerbirgli in December last year.
The 18-year-old initially joined to be part of their youth setup, but signed a professional deal in January to tie him to the club until 2029.
He made his senior debut in a cup game against Aliaga on 5 March, and his first start came in the next round away to Galatasaray, as his strong showing helped Gencler to a 2-0 win.
Diabate was handed a Super Lig debut four days later, and went on to consistently feature in the first team until the season ended in May.
He made his international debut for Guinea against Northern Ireland in June, and is now looking set to arrive on Tyneside as the Magpies' latest summer capture.
What are Newcastle's midfield plans as it stands?
While Diabate may not quite be ready to play under new boss Jaissle, Newcastle remain keen to add some quality to their midfield in this window.
Widespread reports have claimed that Newcastle have entered talks with Man City to sign Gonzalez, but a move for Palhinha is unlikely due to his family's reservations about living in the North East.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are set to make another offer for Lucas Bergvall soon, as he looks to leave Tottenham.