Newcastle is ready to offer a substantial sum for a Sporting player

Newcastle has set its sights on Sporting Lisbon's defender, Ousmane Diomande. "The Magpies" are ready to make an offer to the Portuguese club, as reported by Record.

The player's transfer is planned for this winter. Talks are ongoing about an imminent official request to Sporting. Newcastle sees the 20-year-old Ivorian center-back as a prospect and aims to strengthen their defense. According to sources, "The Magpies" are willing to offer approximately 80 million euros for the talented center-back.

Ousmane Diomande, who received a call-up to the Ivory Coast national team for the African Cup of Nations, scored a goal in a friendly against Sierra Leone.

He moved to the Portuguese league from Midtjylland last winter for around 7.5 million euros. This season, he has played 21 matches across various competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Earlier reports suggested that Chelsea was also interested in the player, with Transfermarkt valuing him at 40 million euros.