Newcastle United have seen an initial £25million bid for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos rejected. However, the Magpies plan to almost double their offer as Eddie Howe targets significant defensive upgrades in his first transfer window as manager.
Newcastle have already failed to lure one of Europe’s most highly-rated young centre-backs in Sven Botman this month, with Lille rejecting a £30m approach.
But the Magpies have reportedly lined up six alternatives as Howe looks to strengthen his backline’s core ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Premier League trio James Tarkowski, Joe Rodon, and Rob Holding join Championship stars Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo on Howe’s radar.
The sixth name on the shortlist is Carlos, whose formidable performances have helped Sevilla launch a LaLiga title challenge this season.
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And according to Alex Crook from talkSPORT, Newcastle have now made an initial formal approach to sign the 28-year-old defender.
The Premier League strugglers have flaunted their newfound financial firepower under new ownership by submitting a £25m bid for his services.
Sevilla are unsurprisingly unwilling to let Carlos leave without resistance, though, and have turned it down.
However, Newcastle aren’t set to lie down and are planning a fresh bid this month, potentially worth up to £40m.
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