Diego Carlos survives late scare as Sevilla send Wednesday night message to NUFC
In a clear message to Newcastle United, Sevilla named Toon target Diego Carlos in their starting 11 at Valencia on Wednesday night; suggesting any move to St James' Park isn't nearly as close as some had suggested.
The Spaniards could've gone just two points behind league leaders Real Madrid with a win at the Mestalla Stadium, however the game ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Sevilla four behind Real and still in second place.
Back to Carlos, it was an interesting evening for the Brazilian centre-back, especially when he was selected to play just 24 hours after asking to leave for Newcastle United, as per Sky Sports.
The night started by Sevilla taking to social media to announce that 'Diego is in the building' - a clear message to those in Seville waiting to see if their star centre-back would be involved amid links to Newcastle.
As for the game itself, Carlos had three efforts on goal - more than any of his teammates - with his aerial dominance and threat from set pieces highlighted by a 90th minute header which very nearly gave the visitors all three points.
That said, it looked like the 28-year-old had picked up an injury at one point.
After making a vital interception just five minutes from time, Carlos was left in a heap after a late challenge from Valencia's Toni Lato.
Thankfully, the muscular defender was OK to continue and saw out the remainder of the game.
What happens next is anyone's guess, but the fact he played the full 90 minutes is a clear sign that we've not yet agreed a deal with Sevilla and look highly unlikely to get our man in time for Saturday's trip to Leeds; no matter how keen the player is to complete a move.
