‘I have to say’: Director shares how Staveley came across during £30m Newcastle transfer talks

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Monchi – Director of Football at Sevilla – has been speaking to iNews about Newcastle and their failed pursuit of Diego Carlos.

What’s the story?

Well, Newcastle tried extremely hard to sign the Brazilian centre-back this month, as Eddie Howe looks to keep the Magpies in the Premier League.

However, Sevilla stood firm following a £30m bid from Newcastle, which Monchi conceded was a “good” and “respectable” offer.

The Spaniard revealed that the major obstacle for Newcastle and Amanda Staveley was the timing of their pursuit.

Monchi highlighted how difficult it is to find a suitable replacement during the middle of the season.

Speaking to iNews, the 53-year-old said: “It’s a market that takes place over a very short period of time. Maybe if that offer comes along in the summer then things might have changed. The offer was a very good offer, a very respectable offer but not at the best possible time.”

Interestingly, Monchi also shed some light on how Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi conducted themselves during negotiations.

When discussing the duo, who are leading the club’s transfer business, Monchi said: “We’ve had conversations based on a lot of respect. They’ve understood that we can reject their offer. With Newcastle it’s been very correct the way it’s gone ahead. We’ve had video calls and each side has explained their view.”

In our view, that is pleasing to hear.

Amanda Staveley must bring more to Newcastle

The signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood are decent additions, but Newcastle have to sign two or three more – at least – before Monday’s deadline.

As things stand, there isn’t enough quality spread across Howe’s squad.

In attack, things look fairly good with Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Wood at Howe’s disposal, although Wilson is currently injured.

However, the midfield and backline aren’t good enough.

Newcastle are not controlling games from midfield, which puts Howe’s vulnerable backline under pressure far too often.

Ideally, what the Magpies need is a couple of brave centre-back options who aren’t afraid to carry the ball into midfield – if Howe had that, his side could start much higher up the pitch.

With just days remaining of the transfer window, Staveley and Ghodoussi have to do more business if Newcastle are to avoid relegation.