Premier League title race: Man City stretch lead at top
Newcastle United have seen an initial £25million bid for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos rejected. However, the Magpies plan to almost double their offer as Eddie Howe targets significant defensive upgrades in his first transfer window as manager.
Newcastle have already failed to lure one of Europe's most highly-rated young centre-backs in Sven Botman this month, with Lille rejecting a £30m approach.
But the Magpies have reportedly lined up six alternatives as Howe looks to strengthen his backline's core ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Premier League trio James Tarkowski, Joe Rodon, and Rob Holding join Championship stars Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo on Howe's radar.
The sixth name on the shortlist is Carlos, whose formidable performances have helped Sevilla launch a LaLiga title challenge this season.
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Newcastle are next back in action on Saturday when they take on League One side Cambridge United in the third round of the FA Cup.
And their fight to beat relegation in the Premier League continues the week after when they have a massive game against fellow strugglers Watford at St James' Park.