Newcastle make approach over 'most exciting' defender after club slash asking price

Newcastle United could have reportedly made contact over the signing of a 6'3" powerhouse defender after his club lower their demands.

As reported this morning, Ousmane Diomande has changed agents heading into the summer trading period which is quite often the sign of a player trying to force a move.

Sporting CP have Diomande under contract until 2027 and his contract contains a £68million release clause which puts the ball firmly in their court when it comes to making demands.

However, A Bola are reporting that Sporting would be willing to start negotiations closer to £42million to £50million mark which has previously been reported.

Getty Images

Ousmane Diomande has some big clubs chasing him

A Bola are claiming that several Premier League and Italian clubs are interested in the 20-year-old but it's Newcastle who have made contact with Sporting over a move.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Juventus are also keen which presents Newcastle with a problem as they can all offer Diomande European football next season.

We said this morning that we couldn't see Newcastle forking out £68million on a defender and to be honest, even £42million could be out of reach.

Newcastle could be willing to go all-out for Diomande

That being said, however, Newcastle have thrown their hat in the ring for £60million Michael Olise, so perhaps the budget isn't as tight as we're all being led to believe.

Newcastle have been tracking Diomande who has been touted as one of the 'most exciting young talents in Europe' by Football Talent Scout, for a long time so they may be prepared to drop a bit of extra money on bringing him to Tyneside.

Regardless of the fee, convincing Diomande to join Newcastle over the other interested sides who can offer European football is going to make things very tricky for the Magpies, but not impossible.