Newcastle United ramp up interest in Ousmane Diomande - Report

Newcastle United could certainly do with adding some more depth to their centre-back options after a season which saw new signing Malick Thiaw play in over 30 consecutive games.

An injury to Fabian Schar left Eddie Howe with little option but to keep the German international in the side during Newcastle's busiest period, and it clearly started to take its toll as Malick Thiaw started making uncharacteristic errors.

Fabian Schar is likely to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires and will need replacing, although it would make sense to add depth even if the Swiss star remains on Tyneside.

Newcastle have long held an interest in Sporting's 6'3" centre back Ousmane Diomande, having been linked with the 22-year-old in several previous transfer windows.

Ousmane Diomande has a £69m release clause

The Magpies retain that interest in the Ivorian, and that will certainly have increased watching him in action against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals.

It looks as though Newcastle are considering an approach this summer with Sporting potentially ready to listen to offers, according to The Chronicle.

Diomande has a £69 million release clause in his contract, which expires in 2030, so the Portuguese club is certainly under no pressure to sell, but with several clubs circling, it could be an easy way for them to bring in money this summer.

Newcastle will face competition for the Ivorian

Crystal Palace and AC Milan have both been credited with an interest and we'd like to think Newcastle could put forward a compelling case to beat both of those clubs to his signature.

AC Milan will have Champions League football and living in Milan to offer, so it won't be easy, while Palace can boast London as a destination which foreign players seem to find attractive. However, our project - when it gets back on track - should be far more appealing to players with genuine ambition.

Newcastle have been tracking Diomande for years now, and we hope that something actually comes of this lengthy pursuit because he looks like a quality player who could be a part of our project for years to come.

Rumour Rating: 8/10 - We fully believe the interest is there, the deal looks to be there to be done, it's not nailed on that he'll come to Newcastle, but we certainly have no doubt that this is a legitimate link.