We may have seen several recent stories claiming Sporting don’t want to sell Newcastle United target Ousmane Diomande this month, but that doesn’t mean they plan to keep him forever.
Newspaper Record today features a story where they explain that Sporting are already looking for centre-backs in the market, as they may have to sign some in the summer.
It’s pointed out that Diomande attracts a big list of interested clubs, which includes Newcastle, and some juicy offers are expected to arrive soon.
It’s said that Sporting won’t let him go for less than his €80m release clause right now, but if some attractive offers arrive in the coming months, then it’s possible that they’d agree.
Even though the Lions are still to receive official bids, Record claims that the observations made by English clubs are those made just before they place their offers.
Newcastle’s interest in Diomande has been a strong rumour in the Portuguese media. Just this month, the local press commented on the ‘exploratory contacts’ that the Magpies have been making for the transfer.
It just remains to be seen whether they’d go for the release clause or try the summer discount.
