Premier League transfer round-up: Everton make early signing as window re-opens
Newcastle have turned their attention to Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos after being told Sven Botman is not for sale by Lille, reports claim. The no-nonsense Brazilian, who is part of the best defence in La Liga this season, has now been added to the Magpies' shortlist as they look to get down to business in the market.
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Furthermore, Jules Kounde is the far more-likely centre-back to depart Sevilla in the near future.
Other targets for Newcastle include James Tarkowski of Burnley.
The 29-year-old is out of contract this summer, meaning the Clarets could be forced to sell.
It's clear Burnley would prefer not to strengthen a direct rival though when waving goodbye to their defender.
Diego Carlos is now on Newcastle's transfer radar (Image: GETTY)
Last month, Eddie Howe made it clear Newcastle have a number of people working tirelessly behind the scenes to bolster the club's squad.
“We’ll obviously have players we’re looking at, and have identified, between myself, the coaching team and the recruitment team,” he said
"We have a big body of people working on behalf of the football club to try and find a way to strengthen the squad. The work’s been going on through December.
"A lot of detail has gone into that process, but, as we all know, you can have the most detailed process in the world, but if players don’t want to come to your team, or clubs don’t want to sell those players, the challenge of January becomes very difficult.
"We’re under no illusions, and are making no promises about what we can or can’t do, but the work is going on behind the scenes to make that happen.”