Manager picks ‘sensational’ defender in starting XI despite him asking to join Newcastle United

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Sevilla defender Diego Carlos may have asked to leave the club for Newcastle United, but that hasn’t stopped the Spanish club from starting him.

Newcastle are still desperately chasing a new centre back and Diego Carlos appears to be their top target for the role as things stand.

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that Diego Carlos told Sevilla that he wanted to leave the club in favour of Newcastle, even preparing a written transfer request.

With Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with Newcastle, the deal appears to be moving closer.

There are a couple of problems though. Newcastle’s £30million offer isn’t enough yet, and another Premier League club have matched Newcastle’s bid, according to Sky Sports.

Newcastle may need to keep going higher and higher with their fee for Diego Carlos, but Sevilla haven’t been shaken.

When Sevilla took on Valencia on Wednesday night, Diego Carlos was right there in the starting lineup. Despite his transfer request, Julen Lopetegui still trusts the 28-year-old.

The game finished in a 1-1 draw, with Diego Carlos playing the full 90 minutes in a frustrating night for Sevilla.

Back in action against Celta Vigo on Saturday, Diego Carlos is unlikely to have played his final game for Sevilla just yet.

With Newcastle pressing though, the central defender could be in his final month in Andalusia.

Newcastle are seeking a leader at the back, and that’s exactly what Andy Brassell has used to describe Diego Carlos.

La Liga expert Terry Gibson has praised Diego Carlos as ‘sensational’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘excellent’ – everything Newcastle fans want to hear.

Newcastle do need to be careful though. Diego Carlos turns 29 in March and almost certainly won’t have any resale value within a couple of years.

Instant impact players are vital, but Newcastle don’t want to be splashing £45million, £50million for a player whose value will quickly decline.

Starting last night may suggest that Diego Carlos isn’t immediately Newcastle-bound, though maybe Sevilla are sending a message; you won’t pay the right fee? We’re going to keep playing him.