NEWCASTLE are eyeing Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.
Toon boss Eddie Howe is desperate for reinforcements with a growing injury list causing some concern.
GettyNewcastle are lining up a swoop for £70million-rated Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande[/caption]
Diomande is on his radar, although his £70 million release clause will give Newcastle’s Saudi owners food for thought when the transfer window opens in January.
Howe has sent scouts to watch the 19 year-old Ivory Coast ace, who’s regarded as the best African prospect playing in Europe right now.
He has started in every single game for Sporting and has been scouted at least three times since the beginning of the season by the Magpies.
Diomande, who is comfortable playing in a back three or four, was watched in Sunday’s Lisbon derby defeat against Benfica.
His current deal expires in 2027 but SunSport understands he would be interested in a switch to the Premier League.
Arsenal have also been linked with Diomande after reportedly seeing a £30m bid rejected over the summer.
The teen only made his debut for Sporting in February following a £6.5m switch from Danish side Midtjylland.
He played 17 times in all competitions, scoring once.
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But Diomande has already doubled his total this season with two goals in 16 outings.
Sporting currently sit joint-top of the Portuguese league alongside Benfica, with both teams winning nine of their opening 11 matches.
The two sides played each yesterday, with Sporting on the end of a 2-1 defeat.
Diomande’s defensive pal Goncalo Inacio saw red in a heated game.
He too has been linked with a Premier League move as Manchester United reportedly line up a January bid.