Sevilla are growing ‘increasingly concerned’ that Diego Carlos will leave the La Liga side as Newcastle United are intent on securing the defender’s transfer, according to 90min.
Boss Eddie Howe is adamant the Toon must strengthen his centre-back options in the mid-season market. The St James’ Park outfit boast one of the leakiest defences in the Premier League this term. Only Norwich (44) have shipped more (42) but have played a game extra.
United have now submitted a second offer in the hope of making Carlos the next general on Tyneside. The Magpies initially bid just shy of £30m, but have returned with a bid in the region on £33m. Yet Los Nervionenses are likely to hold out until they receive £40m offers.
Sevilla are loath to let Carlos join Newcastle in a January transfer as they battle Real Madrid for the La Liga title. Julen Lopetegui’s second-place side trail Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos by five-points, but hold a game in hand. They also boast the Spanish top-flight’s best defence.
No club has allowed fewer goals than the 13 Los Nervionenses have shipped in 20 games. They have also kept 11 clean sheets, with goalkeeper Bono keeping a joint-high nine so far.
Clock ticking for Newcastle to seal Sevilla transfer for desired Carlos debut
Yet Sevilla fear Newcastle will eventually put an offer on the table for Carlos’ transfer they cannot refuse. The 28-year-old is also open to moving to St James’ during the winter sales.
Carlos is not demanding the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium hierarchy sell him. But he has asked to be kept informed of any progress, with his agent aware of the wages on offer.
Newcastle ideally want to wrap up a deal for Carlos to make his debut against relegation rivals Watford on Saturday. But time is against Howe and the Brazilian facing the Hornets.
United could move out of the relegation zone if they beat Claudio Ranieri’s Vicarage Road natives. However, Watford will retain a game in hand, while Burnley already have two.
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