Since last week, a strong rumour has been building in the Portuguese media, stating Newcastle United are interested in signing FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Following those initial reports, the English media also covered Magpies interest at the weekend, and now it’s time for us to get an idea of how tough the Dragons would be in negotiations for 22-year-old this summer.
There are two good stories about it today. One comes from Correio da Manhã, who point out the links between Costa and Newcastle, claiming Porto believe the goalkeeper will end up staying where he is.
The reason for that confidence is that they’d only let him leave for something close to his release clause. That’s €60m, and it’s unlikely Newcastle would pay so much.
The other story, which comes from Jornal Notícias, sounds a little more encouraging for Newcastle.
Following claims from England saying the Magpies recently sent scouts to watch Costa in action for the national team, it’s claimed that Porto will ‘not facilitate’ a deal, but may end up offering a discount.
It’s said the Dragons will point to the €60m release clause at first. However, they have a ‘margin of manoeuvre’. So Jornal de Notícias says the club won’t let him leave for less than €40m. That’s undoubtedly a big difference which may make the deal a lot more palatable for Newcastle.
