Report: Newcastle sent scouts to watch £70m teenager ahead of potential January bid

It is being reported that Newcastle United have their eye on one of Europe's most promising young defenders.

The Sun is reporting that Newcastle are looking at a January move for Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande who has a £70million release clause.

Arsenal tried their luck with a £30million bid in the summer which was rejected which means Newcastle will likely have to come pretty close to the release clause if they really want to sign the 19-year-old Ivorian.

Diomande has played every game for Sporting this season

Diomande has been an ever-present in Sporting's side so far this season and has even contributed two goals and an assist in his 16 outings.

Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images

It certainly looks like Newcastle are on the hunt for a talented young defender to come into the side having also been linked with 21-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.

The Sun believes that Diomande would be open to a move to the Premier League which should make things a bit easier for Newcastle, however, he is contracted to Sporting until 2027 so they will be in no rush to sell.

Newcastle are also looking at Diomande's defensive partner Goncalo Inacio

It's also mentioned in the report that Eddie Howe sent his scouts to watch Diomande in action recently, his defensive partner Goncalo Inacio was also on Newcastle's wish list but the Portugal international rejected a move and Newcastle moved on.

A new defender would definitely be a good move in January, especially given the injuries we are picking up this season.

It does feel unlikely, though, that we will fork out anywhere near £70million on one player this winter unless the owners have released emergency funds in light of the injury crisis.